Entertainment server and associated social networking services

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so as to provide for social networking and/or other services. In certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, coordinating social networking services among and between patrons within and outside of the location and also providing for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connected to a jukebox. The entertainment system within the location may be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certain exemplary embodiments. The jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services may provide mechanisms for enhancing patrons&#39; experiences, creating a sense of ownership and/or belongingness to a connected community of entertainment system users.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/294,345filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/631,725 filed Jun. 23, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,228,900issued Mar. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.14/708,908 filed May 11, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,774,906 issued Sep.26, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/138,660filed Mar. 17, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,076,155 issued Jul. 7, 2015,which is a national stage 371 of PCT/US2010/000799 filed on Mar. 17,2010, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/202,617filed Mar. 18, 2009, the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in this application. This applicationalso hereby incorporates by reference the entire contents each of theU.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/902,658; 11/902,790 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,171,419 issued Oct. 27, 2015); Ser. No. 12/076,761 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,953,481 issued Apr. 24, 2018); 61/129,637; Ser. No. 12/222,785; andSer. No. 12/318,864 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,332,887 issued Dec. 11, 2012),each of which is co-pending and commonly assigned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain exemplary embodiments of this invention relate to entertainmentsystems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments of thisinvention relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so asto provide for social networking and/or other services. For example, incertain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in an out-of-homelocation is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainmentsystem mediated services that are accessible from within and from theoutside of the location, while coordinating social networking servicesamong and between patrons within and outside of the location and alsoproviding for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve asand/or be connected to a jukebox. Furthermore, the entertainment systemwithin a location may be connected to one or more client devices, one ormore displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., incertain exemplary embodiments. The jukebox-related and entertainmentsystem mediated services may provide mechanisms for enhancing patrons'experiences, creating a sense of ownership and/or belongingness to aconnected community of entertainment system users.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Jukeboxes have been around for decades and provide users with theability to select desired music for reproduction in a convenient andadvantageous manner. Jukeboxes have conventionally been provided incommercial establishments, such as restaurants and bars, in order toprovide desired music on demand for patrons thereof for a fee. Over thelast several years, a new generation of jukebox devices have becomeavailable that provide significant improvements in the operation thereoffor all parties involved. More specifically, the conventional standalonephonorecord and CD jukeboxes are being replaced by digital downloadingjukeboxes that are controlled by and communicate with a central server.An example of this new generation jukebox system is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,308,204, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. A leading provider of this new generation of jukebox systemsis TouchTunes Music Corporation.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a digitaldownloading jukebox system 10 (hereinafter referred to simply as a“jukebox system”). As shown in FIG. 1, the jukebox system 10 includes acentral server 12 that contains a master library of audio content(typically music), as well as or alternatively audiovisual content(typically music and associated video or graphics), that can bedownloaded therefrom. The jukebox system also includes a series ofremote jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f. Each of these jukebox devices aregenerally located in a bar, restaurant, club or other desired location,and are operable to play music in response to receiving a payment from auser, such as coins, bills, credit/debit card, etc., and having one ormore songs selected by the user for play. In an alternative embodiment,a music service is paid for on a subscription basis by the location, andthe selected music is free for the end-user. The jukebox device 16typically includes a screen 18 that presents information to the user andallows the user to select songs therefrom, as well as an audio system 20that plays the selected songs. The screen 18 may also be used fordisplaying song-related video or graphics. The screen 18 may also beused to display advertisements for the jukebox itself in order toattract customers thereto, to display other types of advertisements,and/or to display any other desired information.

The jukebox devices 16 (sometimes referred to as simply “jukeboxes”herein) are operable to communicate with the central server 12 through acommunications network 14, such as, for example, the Internet. Thejukeboxes 16 periodically communicate with the server 12 in order toprovide information to the server 12 regarding the specific songs thathave been played on the jukebox. The central server then uses thisinformation in order to determine the appropriate royalties and/or otherpayments that are owed for songs played on each jukebox. Thus, oneadvantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that the soundreproduction and/or other applicable music rights can be adhered to in amore accurate and reliable manner, thereby assuring the proper royaltiesare paid to the artists or music owners. The central server 12 can alsoprovide new songs to the jukebox 16 in order to assure that theappropriate or most popular songs are maintained on the jukebox based onthe specific customers at that location. Thus, the songs available oneach jukebox can be customized through communication with the centralserver in order to provide the songs and/or types of music thatcustomers generally request at each jukebox location. As described inthe above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204, the central server canalso advantageously be used to update the operating software on thejukeboxes in order to, for example, change the operation of the jukebox,such as to provide new or improved features. Thus, another advantage ofthis new generation of jukeboxes is that the songs (or other audioand/or visual content), and the operation of the jukebox itself can beremotely changed as desired without the need to have someone (such as arouteman) personally service the jukebox. Instead, such updates can bedone using the central server 12.

As indicated above, the jukebox devices 16 each include a mass storagedevice, such as a hard drive, which stores the songs and associatedvideo/graphics data (if any), as well as any other desired graphicalinformation for reproduction on the jukebox. The mass storage device ofthe jukebox typically has limited storage capacity relative to thestorage device of the central server 12. As a result, only a fraction ofthe songs stored on the central server are typically stored on the massstorage device of the jukebox at any one time. There may be otherreasons as well, such as for security of the data or limited room in thejukebox itself, for having limited storage capacity on the jukeboxand/or limiting the number of songs stored thereon. For example,physical space may be limited on wall-mount jukeboxes or the like, whichare designed to be small in size as compared to free-standing models. Asexplained above, the songs on the jukebox can be changed throughcommunication with the central server, but typically any one jukeboxonly stores a relatively small subset of the complete library of songsmaintained by the central server at any one time.

In order to maximize the revenue that a jukebox generates, it isimportant to make the most desired songs available on the jukebox overtime. If customers cannot find songs they like on the jukebox, usage ofthe jukebox (and the revenue generated thereby) will dramaticallydecrease. On the other hand, it is impossible to predict in advanceexactly what a customer at any particular location will desire to playon the jukebox. In fact, there are likely many instances where acustomer would have selected a song that exists on the central serverbut is not currently present on the jukebox. As a result, the jukeboxmay not be enjoyed and used to its fullest extent. In order to addressthis problem and increase revenue, jukebox systems have in the pastprovided a feature which enables the user to search for songs on thecentral server from the jukebox and request an immediate download of adesired song from the central server to the jukebox for an additionalfee. This feature enables the user to play any song in the masterlibrary of songs maintained by the central server using the jukebox,regardless of whether or not the specific song is presently stored inthe mass storage of the jukebox itself. Thus, the user can first lookfor desired songs on the local storage of the jukebox and then, ifdesired, search further on the central server for desired songs. Thejukebox device typically charges an additional fee (such as five creditsinstead on one credit) for an immediate download and play of a song fromthe central server as opposed to a standard play directly from thejukebox's local storage.

One problem, however, with the immediate downloading feature is that itis desirable to have an immediate and high speed connection with thecentral server to implement. In addition, the central server and networkmust be prepared for and capable of handling such requests in a reliableand efficient manner for the feature to properly operate. Theserequirements cannot always be met and, as a result, implementation ofthis feature has been limited. For example, many locations that havejukeboxes do not have high speed connections (such as DSL) and insteaduse dial-up modem connections. Jukeboxes which rely on dial-upconnections generally are only designed to communicate with the serverperiodically and do not allow the user to immediately download a song.They have, however, enabled a user to vote for a song to be downloadedat a later time when the dial-up connection is made. This, of course, isnot as satisfying to the user as being able to immediately download asong. Other problems can arise in connection with this download featureif the network or server is not currently available for the download,due to traffic, malfunctions or the like.

For most users, a relationship with a jukebox extends only as far as achoice of songs to play. Casual users may find it difficult to makeselections rapidly and/or to locate specific songs. Regular users,however, frequently choose the same songs, and they may becomefrustrated with always having to make the same selections. Both problemsmay result in a loss of revenue from intimidation, frustration, etc.

Thus, it is a feature of the exemplary embodiments to create arelationship between the jukebox and the patrons, in view of the furtherfeature of creating a relationship with a whole community of jukeboxusers. Such a system can establish a trust relationship between thejukebox and the patrons, while also creating a sense of ownership forthe patrons by allowing them to customize their services and communicatewith their friends. Such a relationship and feeling of ownership cangreatly increase the convenience of using a jukebox and its relatedservices while also decreasing intimidation, frustration, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments described herein, the jukebox can bemade the centerpiece for music services as well as other services thatenhance the experience of users as well as the revenues of locationmanagers. For example, a jukebox can become a contact point at a givenlocation through which users can reach out to their friends. Forinstance, users may call a get together using the jukebox, share musicthrough the jukebox system, or meet up at a jukebox if they becomeseparated at a crowded club. Similarly, a jukebox can become, forexample, a contact point at a given location through which the managerof the location can reach out to customers. For instance, a manager canadvertise specials, notify regulars of special events, etc. Suchcommunications can be initiated by users, by location managers, or bythe jukebox itself.

When jukebox users leave a location, their connection to the music, and,more particularly, the jukebox itself, typically ends. Users providemassive amounts of data to the jukeboxes, such as, for example, whichusers like certain types of music or certain songs, when they listen tomusic, how frequently they listen to it, etc. With conventionaljukeboxes, this information is not leveraged to provide additionalfeatures and/or services to interested users. Thus, collectedinformation typically is wasted, and users experience only a fleetingsense of ownership. Users cannot, for example, recreate the experienceof a particular night out.

Proprietors also lose out, because their connection to jukebox usersdisappears when users leave their establishments. Thus, proprietors losecustomers until they return and are forced to rely on traditional, oftenignored, methods of bulk advertisement. This form of advertisingtypically lacks specificity and does not reflect a personalized sense ofbelonging for users. Additionally, proprietors also cannot recreatespecific events at which, for example, they had a particularlyprofitable nights.

Online communities typically, for example, on the Internet, havesprung-up to try to connect disparate users in a virtual space. Thesecommunities provide potentially continuous access to a broad range offeatures and users alike. However, conventional online communities arevirtual only—when a user steps away from a computer, the connection,quite literally, is broken. Thus, while users may access this broad hostof features and customize their experiences and even build an onlinepersona complete with, for example, buying and viewing habits, theexperience is fleeting.

By connecting jukebox users through an online community, however, theinformation provided to the jukebox can be used to provide a variety offeatures and services to the users. And, because jukeboxes are presentat thousands of meeting points, connections exist at thousands ofphysical locations apart from the online virtual community. Thus, byleveraging the data collected by jukeboxes and tying users to an onlinecommunity, a mixed real-and-virtual community may be established, forexample, creating a lasting sense of ownership, personalizing servicesfor potentially all users, drawing users together, establishing avibrant socially active community of users connected by music, etc.Proprietors may similarly benefit by, for example, achieving a pipelineto additional business by connecting with customers while they are awayfrom their locations, thus drawing them to their locations, etc.

In essence, a jukebox with an associated remote application can, forexample, change users' perceptions of jukeboxes. Jukeboxes need not bestand-alone devices accessible only at bars. Rather, the instantinvention allows users to consider jukeboxes as, for example, mediacenters, meeting points, portals to online communities, etc.

Moreover, with the advent of web-enabled portable devices (such as, forexample, cell phones, personal digital assistants, etc.), users even cantake the virtual community with them wherever they go. Users potentiallymay use portable devices to directly download music at any time, suchas, for example, when they hear a song at home, in the car, at a bar,etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments, users' actions on jukeboxes and/or viaremote interfaces may be represented by avatars specific to and/orcustomizable by the user. Jukeboxes may include avatar action programmedlogic circuitry (e.g., any appropriate combination of hardware,software, or the like) to take actions on behalf of and/or represent theactions of the user. Such actions may include introducing songs withaudio and/or video, singing and/or dancing along with music, markingonline transactions (e.g., messages, postings, file transfers, etc.),etc. As such, user avatars may yet further increase senses of ownershipand/or belonging, drawing users to jukeboxes. Moreover, avatars mayfurther increase the enjoyment of the individual user, regular patrons,and/or newcomers to an area.

While the above-described and/or other aspects, features, and exemplaryembodiments are advantageous and are a marked improvement over existingjukebox-related offerings, it would be desirable to further integrateand expand upon the disparate elements in a broader, more holisticentertainment system. For example, it would be desirable to leverage thewidely disseminated, though presently unconnected, collection ofjukeboxes, jukebox-specific services, advertisement servers,independently operated social networking services, and independentlycontrolled client devices, to provide for an experience that enablescross-connectivity and deep integration among and between theseseemingly disparate systems. Providing such a system advantageouslywould make it possible to more fully and deeply connect entertainmentsystem patrons to one another and to non-patrons, thereby sometimesencouraging the former group to use the components in the entertainmentsystem more and more and sometimes encouraging the latter group to beginto use the components in the entertainment system. It would be desirableto yet further enhance patrons' experiences, e.g., so as to create asense of ownership and/or belongingness to a connected community ofentertainment system users.

There is a need for an improved jukebox system that addresses variousneeds of users, location owners, and operators—all while providing anincreased sense of ownership and/or belongingness for patrons that isextensible so as to keep pace with technology and modern socialnetworking opportunities. The instant invention is designed to addressthese and other issues and to provide enhanced functionality for suchjukebox systems.

In certain exemplary embodiments of this invention, an audiovisualentertainment system is provided. An entertainment system networkincludes a database having instances of media tangibly stored thereinand a social networking interface configured to mediate communicationsbetween the entertainment system network and an external socialnetworking system that is not part of the entertainment system network.At least one jukebox is provided in an out-of-home location, with the atleast one jukebox being connected to the entertainment system networkand being configured to play instances of media stored locally on thejukebox and/or downloaded from the entertainment system network for afee. The at least one jukebox and the social networking system areconfigured to share data through the entertainment system network.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment systemnetwork may further comprises a jukebox social networking interface to ajukebox-related social networking site.

According to certain example embodiments, A plurality of computersprovided outside of the out-of-home location may be configured tointerface with the jukebox via the jukebox social networking interfaceand/or a non-jukebox device located in the out-of-home location may beconfigured to remotely interface with the at least one jukebox to selectinstances of media for playback on the at least one jukebox and totransfer credits to the jukebox device. The non jukebox device may be asmart phone, countertop or handheld game device, computer, or the like.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a first feed may be provided from theat least one jukebox to the social networking system through the socialnetworking interface of the entertainment system network, with the firstfeed providing data indicative of selected instances of media being orto be played back on the at least one jukebox. The at least one jukeboxmay comprise a user recognizer configured to recognize pre-registeredusers logging into the jukebox via the jukebox or via a non-jukeboxdevice located in the out-out-home location in certain exemplaryembodiments. The first feed further may further comprise data indicativeof a registered user, if any, who selected each said selected instancesof media being or to be played back on the at least one jukebox. Thefirst feed also may further comprises data indicative of a message to besent to the social networking site from a recognized user using thenon-jukebox device located in the out-out-home location. The first feedalso may further comprises data indicative of a message to be sent tothe social networking site from a recognized user, directly orindirectly, using the at least one jukebox in the out-of-home location.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, a display may be provided inthe out-of-home location external to the at least one jukebox. Thedisplay may be configured to list the selected instances of media beingplayed on the at least one jukebox device; the recognized user, if any,who selected each said selected instance of media being played back;messages to be sent to the social networking site from a recognizeduser, directly or indirectly, using the at least one jukebox in theout-of-home location; trivia associated with an instance of media beingplayed back; a message from an artist or label associated with aninstance of media being played back; and/or the like. The display may becontrolled via a display controller included in, for example, thejukebox device in certain exemplary embodiments. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the display may be under control of one or more processorsprovided to the entertainment system network. Trivia and/or othermessages may be provided from one of these and/or other sources (whichmay, in turn, include relevant databases mapping messages to instancesof media).

According to certain exemplary embodiments, a second feed may beprovided from the social networking system to the at least one jukeboxthrough the social networking interface of the entertainment systemnetwork, with the second feed including data indicative of a messagesent from the social networking site to a recognized user in theout-of-home location and/or to the at least one jukebox. The display maybe further configured to list the message from the social networkingsite via the second feed.

In certain exemplary embodiments of this invention, a method of makingand/or using an audiovisual entertainment system in line with theexemplary embodiments disclosed herein also may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the instantinvention will be further understood by review of the following detaileddescription of the exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional downloading digital jukeboxsystem;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary screen shot showing an initial selection screenin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 is another screen shot showing an exemplary search screen for usein searching for songs on the local server in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary process for using a Personal Music Assistantto search for songs that might be appropriate for a user-specifiedprofile;

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary process for using a Personal Music Assistantto search for songs that might be appropriate for a recognized user'sprofile;

FIG. 4C is an exemplary screen shot showing a non-limiting list ofgenres and themes available to a user in accordance with oneillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another exemplary screen shot showing the results of a searchon the local server and providing the user an option of downloading adesired song to the jukebox device for a fee, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary process for searching through a list ofpopular songs;

FIG. 6 is another exemplary screen shot showing an alternative method ofallowing access to the downloading feature;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the localsever;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary overall network includingcommercial jukeboxes and residential jukeboxes, as well as otherdownloading devices and associated connections that are managed by thejukebox system;

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout for amulti-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 10 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout fora multi-zone jukebox system with selection terminals in each zone;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a zoneselection process for a multi-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a priorityplay by zone selection process for a multi-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary implementation of a multi-zone set ofpriority and non-priority queues, with a subset of queues for each zone;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an exemplary distribution andinitialization scheme for a jukebox with morph capability;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of anautomatic jukebox morph initiation process based on a triggering event;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukeboxmorphing process;

FIG. 16A is an exemplary screen shot showing how a morph of a jukeboxcan be initiated in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16B is another exemplary screen shot showing how a user can specifyvarious criteria before a morph of a jukebox in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between a jukebox with expanded mediastorage and a central server;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a song selectionprocess when a song is not in the “standard” available playable songlist;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a priority playqueue with prioritization-based-on-bidding capability;

FIG. 19A is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukeboxvoting process;

FIG. 19B(1) is an exemplary screenshot showing a voting queue display;

FIG. 19B(2) is another exemplary screenshot showing a voting queuedisplay;

FIG. 19C is an exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanism withina given location;

FIG. 19D is another exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanismwithin a given location;

FIG. 19E is an exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanism foruse with multiple locations;

FIG. 19F is another exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanismfor use with multiple locations;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for using auser-tailored system for managing music, communications, etc. inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21A shows non-limiting, illustrative options available for editingaccount/profile information in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21B shows non-limiting, illustrative options available for managingmusic in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21C shows non-limiting, illustrative options available for managingbuddy lists in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21D shows non-limiting, illustrative options available forcommunicating with others in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21E shows non-limiting, illustrative options available foraccessing value-added content in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exemplary screen shot of a login page in accordance withone exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an exemplary screen shot showing the features available aftera recognized user has logged in, in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for accessing asystem remotely in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for selecting one ormore of a non-limiting list of services and/or features in a systemaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26A is an exemplary screen shot showing the features availablebefore a user logins into a system according to one exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 26B is an exemplary screen shot showing the features availableafter a user logins into a system according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26C is an exemplary screen shot showing how a user might updateaccount information;

FIG. 26D is an exemplary screen shot showing how a user might manageplaylists;

FIG. 26E is an exemplary screen shot showing the results of anillustrative search for music;

FIG. 26F is an exemplary screenshot showing the results of a search witha jukebox locator service;

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary system for downloading music to a mobiledevice;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for retrievingmusic;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices accessing a jukebox from within a particularlocation;

FIG. 29A is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices accessing a jukebox from within a particularlocation;

FIG. 29B is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices outside of a particular location accessingthe digital jukebox system;

FIG. 29C is another block diagram of an improved downloading digitaljukebox system with remote devices outside of a particular locationaccessing the digital jukebox system;

FIG. 29D is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with another downloading digital jukebox system outside of aparticular location accessing the first digital jukebox system;

FIG. 29E is another block diagram of an improved downloading digitaljukebox system with another downloading digital jukebox system outsideof a particular location accessing the first digital jukebox system;

FIG. 30 is an exemplary flowchart showing one way in which users maychange their status by becoming “verified users”;

FIG. 31 is an exemplary flowchart showing how registered users mayreceive credits for referring potential users;

FIG. 32 is an exemplary flowchart showing how registered uses mayreceive credits for creating public playlists;

FIG. 33 is an exemplary screenshot of a “Local Playlists” screen inwhich registered users are represented by avatars;

FIG. 34 is an exemplary screenshot of a “now playing” screen;

FIG. 35 is an exemplary screenshot for setting alert preferences;

FIG. 36 is an exemplary screenshot for setting alert thresholds;

FIG. 37 is an exemplary screenshot showing the status of various tests;

FIG. 38 is an exemplary screenshot of the morphing capabilities beinglinked to the enhanced scheduling module;

FIG. 39 is an exemplary screenshot of a scheduling calendar;

FIG. 40A shows the major components in an entertainment system accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 40B shows the physical architecture of an entertainment systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 40C shows the logical architecture of an entertainment systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 41A-41D are exemplary screenshots of a client device logging intothe entertainment server in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIGS. 42A-42B are example screenshots showing how a user may login to awireless network;

FIGS. 43A-43D are flowcharts showing exemplary processes for receivingpayment from a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 44A-44F are exemplary screenshots that illustrate searching for,selecting, and playing music on a jukebox using an interface provided toa client device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 45 is an example display including “feeds” relevant for ahypothetical location in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of anexemplary embodiment of an improved jukebox system 10′. The jukeboxsystem 10′ includes similar elements as shown in FIG. 1 and describedabove, including a central server 12, communications network 14, andremote jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f However, the jukebox system 10′further includes local servers 22, 22 a-22 f respectively connected toeach of the jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f. The central server 12includes a master library of songs (and/or other content). Each of thejukebox devices includes a subset of the master library on a localstorage device of the jukebox. The central server may be used toindividually manage the contents of the jukebox device, by monitoringusage of and updating the subset of songs on each of the jukebox deviceswith the intent of maximizing the usage thereof. The central server 12periodically receives data from each of the jukeboxes for the purpose ofroyalty accounting and payment for songs played. The jukebox devices mayconnect to the network in any suitable manner, such as dial-up modem orbroadband modem (e.g., DSL, cable, wireless broadband, or satellite).The communications network 14 may be any suitable network capable ofdistributing data (e.g., audiovisual data) from the central server 12 tothe jukeboxes 16 and enabling data to be uploaded from the jukeboxes 16to the central server 12.

The songs (and/or other data) may be digitized, compressed and encryptedby the central server 12 prior to sending songs to the jukeboxes forsecurity and bandwidth purposes using known techniques. The songs arethen decompressed and decrypted by the jukeboxes for storage andreproduction thereon. Thus, each of the jukeboxes maintains in adatabase a library of digitized songs for play on the jukebox, whereinthe library can be changed or updated through communication by thecentral server. The jukeboxes may also receive and store dataconstituting images (e.g., still and/or moving video and/or graphicalimages) that can be displayed on the display 18 of the jukebox device16. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the jukebox deviceshave similar structure and operation described in U.S. Pat. No.6,308,204 referenced above. Thus, the jukebox devices 16 each mayinclude one or more microprocessors, such as a main CPU and an audioDSP, a memory, such as a hard drive, for storing songs and/or othercontent, a display of displaying visual items, an audio arrangement 20for providing audio, a communication system for enabling the jukebox tocommunicate with the central server 12 through the communicationsnetwork 14, and operating software, including a multitasking operatingsystem, that controls the operation of the jukebox. The operatingsoftware also may be updateable through communication with the centralserver 12 as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204referenced above. The jukeboxes 16 further include one or more paymentdevices, such as coin, bill and/or credit card input devices, forenabling a customer to pay for usage of the jukebox device in aconvenient manner. The screen 18 may be a touch screen that enables theuser to input selections by touching the screen.

Each jukebox device has, in one embodiment, a local server 22 that canbe accessed by the jukebox device. The local servers are respectivelyconnected to the jukebox devices using Ethernet or other type of localconnection. In another embodiment, the local server may simply be alogical extension (e.g. partition, directory, or area) of the jukebox'shard drive, rather than a separate hardware device. The local servers 22may each include a mirror copy of the master library of musicalrecordings maintained by the central server 12. The local server 22 canbe loaded with the master library by the entity that owns and/orcontrols the jukebox network prior to shipping the local server andjukebox device to the jukebox distributor or operator. Of course, overtime, the local sever will no longer correspond identically to thecentral server, due to the fact that the central server may becontinually updated with additional or new songs. Thus, the localservers 22 also may be updated periodically to maintain a correspondencewith the library on the central server 12. This updating can be done,for example, by the central server 12 through communication with thejukebox devices connected with the local servers 22 using, for example,either dial-up or broadband modems. Alternatively, the updating can bedone personally with an update tool that can be connected by a routemanor other person directly to the jukebox or local server for the purposeof updating the contents of the local server. The portable tool couldinclude a removable storage medium, such as a hard drive, that could bereturned to and reused by the owner of the jukebox system for futureupdates. The tool itself could be kept by the operator or other personin charge of maintaining specific jukeboxes for use upon receipt of theupdated removable storage medium from the owner of the jukebox system.

For security reasons, the local server 22 may not include all of thedigital data that constitutes any one song that is stored on the localserver 22. In addition, the part of the song that is on the local serveris encrypted. The jukebox device 16 contains the missing part of each ofthe songs on the local server, thereby enabling the jukebox to assemblethe complete song based on the contents of the local server and thememory on the jukebox device. The missing data located on the jukebox isneeded in order to decrypt the songs. For example, a single block (orother small fraction) of data for each song may be missing on the localserver but present on the jukebox device, and the encryption may bebased on the missing block and may proceed on a block by block basis.Thus, none of the blocks can be decrypted without obtaining and/ordecrypting a preceding block. This feature provides significant securityand prevents or deters theft or other type of unauthorized use orcopying of the songs on the local server. Thus, in this embodiment, eachlocal server must be specifically assigned to a specific jukebox deviceso that the decryption described above can be properly performed.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the local servers may alsoeach be individually registered with and identified to the centralserver 12, so that the central server can individually manage andmonitor each local server. The same is true for the jukebox deviceitself, i.e., it may also be registered with the central server so thatit too can be individually monitored and managed by the central server.As will be understood from the foregoing description, the local serversbecome an important and advantageous part of the jukebox system byallowing the contents thereof to be accessed by the jukebox device toprovide additional services (such as providing additional songs) notavailable on the jukebox device itself. As will be explained below, thesong library of the central server and/or the storage capacity itselfcan be advantageously used to provide services to other jukeboxes, suchas fee-based residential and commercial jukeboxes and/or other fee-basedequipment. One use of the local servers may be to provide an immediatesong downloading feature for the jukebox device will now be describedbelow in detail with reference to the exemplary screen shots of FIGS.3-6.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary screen shot for a music selection screen 30 asdisplayed on the touch display of the jukebox device. As can be seen inFIG. 3, this selection screen, which is the initial selection screendisplayed to a customer, includes graphical representations 32 of thevarious album covers for songs that are stored in the memory of thejukebox device. The albums covers are shown in alphabetical order andthe virtual slide bar 33 can be used to scroll through the availablealbums. Up and down arrows (34 and 35) are also provided for steppingthrough the available albums. A “Now Playing” button 36 is also providedfor showing information on the song currently playing on the jukebox (ifany). A “Top Ten” button 38 is also provided for showing a list of theten most popular songs on the jukebox. A “Tune Central” (™ of TouchTunesMusic Corporation) button 39 is also provided, the function of whichwill now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

If the user does not see an album of interest in the display of albumcovers or desires for any reason to search for available songs that arenot present on the jukebox device, the user may select the “TuneCentral” button 39. When the “Tune Central” button is pressed, thedisplay on the jukebox is changed from that of FIG. 3 to that of FIG. 4.The exemplary screen shot of FIG. 4 shows a search screen 40 whichenables a search to be performed on the local server 22 connected to thejukebox device. This screen 40 provides a virtual keyboard 42 for use inentering a search request. The search can be done by album, artist,song, or genres or themes (i.e. categorized lists of songs, based onpopularity, that help a user find a particular song), based on theassociated buttons 47. Once a search is typed, the user touches the“Search” button 44 and a search of the contents of the local server isinitiated. Input from the virtual keyboard can be cleared using the“Clear” button 46.

Genres may comprise, for example, “pop,” “rock,” “country,” “rap,”“R&B,” “Blues,” etc. Themes may comprise, for example, “Christmas,”“Irish,” “Birthday,” etc. In some exemplary embodiments, these lists canbe retrieved from the server, while in other exemplary embodiments thelists may be built dynamically, based on, for example, certainparameters. In still other embodiments, the server may select whichlists to enable or send to the jukebox based on criteria, such as, forexample, location, music type, etc. A system might only display genresand/or themes for which music is downloaded. However, a system mightdisplay all genres and/or themes and enable download of other songs notavailable to the local jukebox. It also will be appreciated thatalthough FIG. 4C, discussed in detail below, shows the genres and themeson the same screen, other embodiments may present them separately.

FIG. 4C is an exemplary screen shot showing a non-limiting list ofgenres and themes available to a user in accordance with oneillustrative embodiment. Buttons 450 arranged on the left side of thescreen correspond to themes available to a user, while buttons 460arranged on the right side of the screen correspond to genres availableto a user. Button 470 exits this selection mechanism. It will beappreciated that other arrangements of the buttons are available, andthat the list of themes and genres provided is for non-limiting,illustrative purposes only.

Similar to the genres and themes search, a user may, for example, searchfor a song using a Personal Music Assistant, an exemplary process forwhich is shown in FIG. 4A. After pressing a Personal Assistant button(step 402), the jukebox would ask certain information to identify theuser if the user is not already identified (step 404). Such informationcould include, for example, age (or date of birth), preferred style,background, place of birth, or other information that could be used togenerate a profile of the user. The jukebox then could compare theprofile information to selections made by other users with similarprofiles (step 406) from, for example, the specific jukebox, theparticular establishment, or a national database and recommend songs(step 408). For example, the jukebox might suggest a song by “The Doors”to a male user from California who was born in 1960. The user could thenchoose a song from that list or initiate a new search (step 410).

Furthermore, instead of entering identifiers, as shown in FIG. 4B, thePersonal Music Assistant could recognize a user in other ways (step422), such as, for example, after a credit card or a pre-programmedsite-specific identification card is swiped by the jukebox. The PersonalMusic Assistant would maintain a list of selections made by the user.The user's list of selections could be maintained, for example, on alocal jukebox terminal, on a site's central jukebox server, on a remoteserver, or on an identification card, etc. After the Personal MusicAssistant recognizes the user, it could then recommend songs based on,for example, songs by the artists the particular user enjoys (step 426),songs played frequently by the user (428), songs not heard recently bythe user (430), etc.

Additionally, a Personal Music Assistant recognizing, for example, apreferred customer or a customer with a large number of credits mightmorph the jukebox into a jukebox more enjoyable to that specific user.In a related feature, certain patrons may “rent” a jukebox for, forexample, a special occasion. Accordingly, a patron could pay a certainamount of money to morph the jukebox into a particular type of jukebox.For example, a patron having a party (e.g. a birthday party) at aparticular location could rent a jukebox and morph it into a jukeboxthat allows only that patron's favorite songs. In another relatedfeature, a patron could exclusively rent a jukebox and prevent othersfrom selecting songs by, for example, programming a playlist throughanother device (e.g. the web or other communications network operablyconnected to the jukebox system) or by restricting access to the jukeboxthrough a password or the like. Credits could be, for example, purchasedby the user; or given to the user as a reward, for example, forpurchasing drinks or souvenirs at an establishment, or for being aregular repeat customer. Thus, a Personal Music Assistant could beimplemented in a manner that makes selecting songs a more enjoyable,dynamic, and responsive process while removing the immediate pressureplaced on the user to know which song to choose.

When a search is initiated from screen 40, the screen changes to thatshown in FIG. 5 to display the results of the search. As shown in FIG.5, the results of the search are listed. More particularly, in thisexample, a list of songs that satisfy the search request are listed. Thelist could also be by album if the search was album based. The user canscroll through the search results using slide bar 53. The user is alsoshown a display 55 of the number of current credits and a display 56 ofthe number of credits that are required to download a song from thelocal server to the jukebox device. The user can go back to the previousscreen by touching the “Back” button 57. If the user selects a song fromthe search list and then touches the “Get It Now” button 54, the jukeboxis operable to immediately download the selected song from the localserver to the jukebox for play on the jukebox. The downloaded song canbe queued up with any other selected but unplayed songs (if any) forplay on the Jukebox. In this example, the download costs five creditsinstead of one credit like a normal selection from the storage of thejukebox itself. Once the downloaded song is played, it may be deletedfrom the jukebox device (together with any graphical data, such as thealbum cover graphic) that was also downloaded from the local server inconnection with the song download). Preferably, however, the song willbe kept in a “smart cache” to determine if and/or when the song shouldbe deleted. For example, the song may be cached for a predefined period(e.g. a day, a week, two weeks, etc.) while the jukebox monitors playsof the song. If the number of plays are above a certain threshold forthe predefined period, for example, the song may be kept; if the numberof plays is below the threshold, the song may be deleted. The song mayor may not be added to the master list of readily available songs,depending on the specific embodiment of the invention—e.g. the song in“smart cache” may appear as if it is not readily available to the userwhile in fact it is stored on the jukebox in, for example, a protectedarea. In this way, the user has the option, through use of the “TuneCentral” button, to temporarily obtain on the jukebox any song from themaster library of recordings without the need to contact the centralserver 12. As a result, the jukebox provides a more enjoyable experiencefor the user, while also increasing revenue generated thereby.

Also providing an enjoyable experience for the user is the centralservers' capability to identify “hot hits,” preferably in real-time.Preferably, new songs could be made available in a master catalog—thatis, they need not reside on local servers or expanded media storage.Then, songs played frequently in a given area (ranging from, forexample, a single site or group of sites, to a state or country, to aglobal connection) could be identified as popular. These songs, or “hothits,” preferably could be downloaded by, or sent to, individualjukeboxes. Individual jukeboxes preferably would maintain lists of “hothits” in real-time, allowing users to search through the most popularsongs at any given time. Alternatively, a jukebox might maintain a listof “hot hits” without downloading the popular songs, thereby potentiallysaving download time and resources. As a result, the jukebox couldprovide an enjoyable experience for the user by providing easy access tothe most popular songs. Thus, a jukebox may have access to a “hot list”of “hot hits” generated by a jukebox, jukeboxes, designated by anoperator, created automatically and/or especially for enabled jukeboxes,etc. This “hot list” may work as an alternative to themes and/or genres,and/or it may function with themes and/or genres to provide the mostpopular (“hot”) songs within a given theme and/or genre. Similarly, auser also may select a song from a list of recently played songs. Such alist may be maintained (e.g., stored and updated) on an individualjukebox, or it may be maintained at a central location so as to beaccessible and/or updatable by any suitably configured jukebox device.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary process for maintaining a “hot list” on ajukebox with a broadband connection. It should be noted that the sameprocess could apply for a system with a different type of connection,though more time and resources may be used to download a song over aslower connection. In step 502, songs from a master catalog are receivedby a site's central server. Of course, it should be noted that songscould be stored to a local jukebox's storage media. In step 504, a userusing a jukebox terminal would select a “Hot List” button. After the“Hot List” is displayed (step 506), the user could select a particularsong or initiate a new search (508).

FIG. 6 shows another exemplary screen shot of a song selection screen 60that is displayed when a user touches an album cover graphic from thescreen 30 of FIG. 3. Thus, this screen shows an alternative (or typical)method of selecting a song, wherein the song is selected directly fromthe subset of songs that are directly available from the storage deviceof the jukebox itself (rather than the local server). In this example,Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits was selected from the screen of FIG. 3. Asshown in FIG. 6, the resulting screen display 60 shows the selectedalbum graphic 61 and a list of the songs 62 that are available on thejukebox for that album. The jukebox may or may not include all of thesongs for a particular album. The available songs can be scrolledthrough if necessary using scroll bars 63 a and 63 b. The user has theoption, through the “Play” button 65, to select a song from the list forplay on the jukebox. A “Play Now” button 66 is also provided forenabling the user to select a priority play of the song, thereby givingthe song a higher priority than songs selected using the “Play” button65. This priority feature preferably requires more play credits than thenormal play. A display 67 shows the number of credits available for theuser. Button 64 shows other albums for the same artist being shown at61, thereby enabling a user to easily search through the albums for aparticular artist for a desired song.

As also shown in FIG. 6, a “Tune Central” button 68 is displayed thatenables the user to search for songs by this same artist on the localserver as explained in connection with FIG. 4. In other words, button 68takes the user to the search screen 40 of FIG. 4 for searching the localserver. The user can then proceed to search the local server and selectsongs therefrom, if desired, as described above in connection with FIGS.4 and 5. Thus, as explained above, the user can access the local serverat various screens in a convenience and efficient manner, depending onthe desires of the user when interacting with the jukebox screen.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3-6, the user is provided with the option ofplaying songs that are resident on the jukebox device itself or,alternatively, selecting songs from the local server for download andplay in an efficient and reliable manner, thereby significantlyimproving the operation of jukebox systems, particularly those thatcannot quickly, easily or reliably receive downloads of music on demandfrom a central server. It is noted that the screen shots of FIGS. 3-6are only exemplary and any suitable screen configurations can be used toprovide the functionality described herein. In addition, the jukeboxoperator is provided with the ability through operator screens (notshown) to set filters per genre or style of music in order to limitaccess to the end user and avoid undesirable music being played at aspecific location. For example, these features preferably are availablethrough schedules defined by a jukebox operator and/or location manager,enabling, for example, a location manager to prevent hard rock or heavymetal music to be played before 11 am. The same features can be used,for example, by operators or location managers to configure playlistsand/or set the available music selections for particular dates and/ortimes. For example, operators or location managers may wish to restrictmusical selections to Irish music on Saint Patrick's Day, love songs onValentine's Day, Frank Sinatra music during dinner hours, etc.

In still other exemplary embodiments, a location might provide a“Virtual DJ.” According to one such system, a prepared playlist would beprovided to the jukeboxes of a location. Preferably, the playlist can betailored to the details of the location and/or the event to take place,such as, for example, locale, theme, target audience, etc. Furthermore,some illustrative playlists could be created by famous DJs to attractpatrons. DJs could attach their names to playlists and associatethemselves with various locations, even though they are not present. Aplaylist might extend for several songs or for several hours, dependingon the needs of the location. It is to be appreciated that coinage neednot be collected during such a Virtual DJ event, as a special fee can beassociated with the service of using a special playlist. It also is tobe appreciated that DJs may prepare special playlists for one-time use,or they may make available repeatable special playlists. Theserepeatable playlists may, for example, be downloaded by jukeboxes orprovided to the jukebox in any suitable manner. Thus, making third partplaylists available for use on the jukebox for a fee provides a wholenew revenue source for the jukebox operators, location owners andplaylist generators, such as well-known DJs or the like. When a playlistis made active, the normal functions of the jukebox are preferablystopped during play of the songs on the playlist.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the electronic elements that define thelocal server 22 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, the local server 22 includes a CPU 72 (e.g., AMD Elan 800 MHz),a flash memory (e.g., 8 MB) containing the BIOS and OS, a pair ofmaster/slave hard drives (82, 84 and 86, 88, respectively), a pair ofIDE controllers 78 and 80 for the hard drive pairs respectively, a RAM76 (e.g., 32 MB), an Ethernet controller for controlling communicationwith the jukebox device 16, and the appropriate buses interconnectingthe various elements. Of course, other configurations or arrangementsfor the local server 22 may be used. A unique identifier may be providedin the local server for enabling the local server to be uniquelyidentified and registered by the jukebox and/or central server. Theidentifier may, for example, be located in the flash memory 74.

As will be appreciated from the description of the invention above, theaddition of the local server significantly enhances the operation of thejukebox devices that are part of a jukebox system. However, the localservers also provide other benefits and features that will now bedescribed.

A collection of local servers 22 may be used as a network of distributedservers that can be controlled by the central server 12 through itsassociated jukebox device 16 to provide music services to other devices.For example, the local servers and associated jukebox can be used todeliver requested songs to a dedicated residential or commercial jukeboxdevice (or other suitable jukebox device) in addition to providing songservices to the specific jukebox to which it is connected and assigned.Thus, the network of distributed servers can provide a support networkfor implementing residential and commercial jukeboxes of the type whichallow a user to download songs for reproduction and/or storage at aresidential or commercial location for an appropriate fee. As a result,the jukebox system operator can provide and control commercial jukeboxesand well as residential jukeboxes through the jukebox system. In thisembodiment, the jukebox device and/or local server are connected to theInternet (or other suitable network) using a broadband modem and isprovided with software that can selectively deliver song files to anydedicated residential jukebox device (also connectable to the Internet)under control of the central server. The central server receivesrequests from a residential jukebox and, by analyzing traffic on thenetwork, provides instructions to a selected jukebox device to downloadthe requested song file (either from its memory or from the localserver) to the residential jukebox for a fee or under a subscriptionplan for the residential jukebox. In certain exemplary embodiments,requested songs may be streamed to a jukebox. It will be appreciatedthat streamed media may originate at a dedicated server, a network ofstreaming servers, from a jukebox or jukeboxes (such as peer-to-peer ormultipeer downloading), etc.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, the localserver and jukebox device are used, under control of the central server,to provide management services for other types of coin operated orpayment triggered equipment, such as gaming devices, installed in thesame location as (or in close proximity to) the jukebox. In other words,the jukebox system is preferably used to update the functionality ofand/or manage other downloading devices present in the same location. Asa result, the jukebox becomes a “central hub” for all downloadingequipment in a location. This feature is achieved, in one embodiment, bynetworking all of the downloading devices in a single location togetherwith the jukebox and local file server. The central server can thendownload information to the local server together with instructions tothe jukebox as to which devices should updated with what data and/orsoftware. The jukebox device and central server can also be used tocollect information from the other downloading devices to which it ismanaging and upload that information to the central server forreporting/accounting purposes. Thus, the owner/operator of the jukeboxsystem can act as a third party service provider to other coin-opcompanies for the purpose of managing and/or updating their equipment.

The large amounts of memory provided by the local servers and the factthat they are provided and accessible at thousands of locations over awell controlled network, turns the jukebox system into a powerful toolthat can be used to perform a variety of functions in the coin-opindustry. More and more coin-op manufacturers are going towards gamesthat are software upgradeable through their internal hard drives. Theseupdates are done periodically, but as these devices increase there willbe an ever increasing need for a system that can reliably andefficiently perform the updates from a remote location. The jukeboxsystem described herein satisfies this need by enabling all suitableelectronic coin-op devices at a jukebox location to be managed by thecentral server using the jukebox and local server at the location. Thecentral server can download software or data updates, store them on thelocal server and then dispatch the updates to the intended units ofequipment in the establishment. Thus, the jukebox system can act as athird party service provider to other companies in the coin-op business,thereby significantly enhancing the functionality of the jukebox system.

As an example, there are currently about 140,000 Merit coin-operatedcountertop devices in the USA, each of which enables users to play gamesand the like for a fee. Many of these devices operate with a hard drivethat can be upgraded with new software. Merit does this by shippingCD-ROMs to operators who then need to drive to each location andmanually update each machine. In accordance with the instant invention,however, all suitable coin-op equipment at a location are connected(directly or indirectly) with the local jukebox and local serverassigned thereto. This enables the central server to receive theintended software update for any device, together with information thatidentifies what devices are to be upgraded with what software. Theupgrade services are preferably fee based and provide an additionalrevenue stream for the jukebox system. The central server then downloadsthe software to the local servers with the upgrade instructions tofurther download the upgrades to the appropriate device(s).

As explained above, the local server enables songs to be downloaded to acommercial jukebox to which it is assigned or to residential jukeboxesunder control of the central server. In addition, the local servers canbe used for an on-premise networked application which manages othercoin-op devices. These various features of the instant invention areillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a complete jukebox system network ascontemplated by an exemplary embodiment. As explained above, the systemincludes a central server 12 connected to a communications network 14, aseries of commercial jukeboxes 16 a, 16 b and 16 c with associated localmusic file servers 22 a, 22 b and 22 c, a series of residentialjukeboxes 100 a, 100 b and 100 c connected to the network via broadbanddevices 102 a, 102 b and 102 c, and an on-premise network shown on theright hand side of FIG. 8. This on-premise network includes a jukeboxdevice 16 d connected via a router or network hub 110 to a local fileserver 22 d, a number of additional coin-op equipment, such as a dartgame 104, a golf game 106 and a countertop videogame 108, and abroadband modem 112 connecting this local network to the communicationsnetwork 14. With this exemplary configuration as shown in FIG. 8 all ofthe functionality described herein can be implemented through thejukebox system of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout for amulti-zone jukebox system, in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the establishmenthas three zones 121, 123, 125. Each zone is equipped with its own set ofspeakers 127, 129, 131, which are operably connected to the jukebox 133.Different music may be played simultaneously in all three zones 121,123, 125 and all the music may be played from a single jukebox 133. Thejukebox 133 may be provided with additional hardware, as needed, toallow this implementation.

Alternatively, the user may elect to have a song played in more than oneof the zones 121, 123, 125 simultaneously, or in more than one of thezones at different times. The user may have to pay additional credits toimplement either of these features. An embodiment of a multi-zone systemcould play music at a high quality in the different zones using thesystem described in application Ser. No. 11/023,390, filed Dec. 29,2004, entitled “Wireless Digital Transmission System for Loudspeakers,”which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09/161,584, filed on Sep.28, 1998. The entire contents of both applications is incorporatedherein by reference. Using this system, for example, a jukebox couldcompress and transmit audio data through AC power lines to anaddressable location, where it could be received, decompressed,converted, and played. In fact, any of the jukebox components hereincould be implemented in a manner that uses AC power lines as acommunication network for operation.

It is to be appreciated that Wireless Digital Transmission System can beused for other purposes in other embodiments where data needs to be sentbetween two or more devices. For example, this system could be used toconfigure dummy terminals. In such an embodiment, the Wireless DigitalTransmission System could be used to send information such as, forexample, whether to morph, what songs are appropriate given a particularmorphing of the jukebox, the zones in which selected music should beplayed, maximum volume levels, etc, in addition to sending music to thespeaker systems.

The operator may also restrict what kind of music is available in agiven zone, based on the type of activity in the zone, the time of day,or any other suitable selection criteria. For example, in FIG. 9, zonethree 125 is a restaurant. Restaurant patrons may not wish to listen tothe same type of music as someone in zone one 121, which is a bar roomin FIG. 9, or in zone two 123, which is a pool room. The operator mayrecognize this and restrict the type of music that can be played in zonethree 125. Alternatively, the operator may restrict the volume of themusic in any given zone. For example, patrons of a pool room 123 or arestaurant section 125 may not want the music as loud as it is desiredto be in the bar room 121. And maybe the restaurant section 121 is to bekept quieter even than the pool room 123. The owner can adjust andcontrol all suitable settings to provide the most versatile, patronfriendly environment in each of the zones, based on any suitablecriteria.

FIG. 10 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout fora multi-zone jukebox system with selection terminals in each zone. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, the bar has three zones 121,123, 125. Each zone is equipped with its own set of speakers 127, 129,131, which are operably connected to the jukebox 133. Different musicmay be played simultaneously in all three zones 121, 123, 125 and allthe music may be played from a single jukebox 133. The jukebox 133 maybe provided with additional hardware to allow this implementation.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10 there are also one or more “dummy”terminals 137, 139 located throughout the establishment. An exemplaryillustrative dummy terminal could use X-server technology. Theseterminals 137, 139, which may be stand alone devices or may be providedas part of the interface on a gaming machine or other suitable devicewith a digital display, allow selection of songs from the jukebox 133for the zone in which they are located (or possibly other zones). Theseterminals 137, 139 duplicate the zone restrictions imposed on the mainjukebox interface and selection criteria. The terminals 137, 139 may berestricted to only allowing selection of music for play in the zonewhere each respective terminal is located, or they may allow selectionfor play in one or more different zones.

Additionally, the graphical interface of the terminals 137, 139 maychange in accordance with available selections, themes of the bar,themes of the room in which each terminal is located, or any othersuitable criteria.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a zoneselection process for a multi-zone jukebox system. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment, the jukebox first begins the transaction 141 withthe user. The user is instructed to select a song 143, and select one ormore zones 145 in which the song is to be played. The jukebox thendetermines the price based on the number of zones selected 147. Thejukebox accepts payment from the user 149 and queues the song for playin the selected zone or zones 151. Next, the jukebox checks to see ifthe user would like to select another song 153. If the user wantsanother song, the process returns to the select song step 143 andrepeats from there. If the user is finished making selections, theprocess ends 155.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a priorityplay by zone selection process for a multi-zone jukebox system. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, certain jukebox systems may beprovided with one or more priority queues corresponding to one or morezones. If priority play is provided for a zone or zones, the jukeboxfirst checks to see if the user would like to select priority play forthe selected song 161. If priority play is selected, the jukebox thenprovides an option for the user to choose a zone or zones in whichpriority play should occur 163. Based on the number of zones selectedfor priority play, the jukebox determines a price 165, and acceptspayment of that price 167 from the user. The jukebox then places thesong in a priority play queue for each selected zone 169.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary implementation of a multi-zone set ofpriority and non-priority queues, with a subset of queues for each zone.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of N zones 171 may beprovided with its own set of queues, comprising a priority queue 175 anda non-priority queue 173. A list of songs selected for play ismaintained within each queue 173, 175. Each song in each queue may beprovided with an identifier 177, 179, which identifies the song, and/orthe position of the song in the queue, and/or any other suitablefactors.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the songs in a queue also may bereordered for other reasons. For example, the songs may be reordered tosmooth transitions between songs, thus providing better (e.g., moreaurally pleasing, less abrupt, more smooth, etc.) end-to-beginningplayback of the songs. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, a methodfor altering the order of playback songs is provided. In such a process,the “color” of the song may be determined for two or more songs in theplaylist. The color of a song relates to characteristics of the song,such as, for example, the volume, rhythm, beat, tempo, etc. of the song.After the color determination, the colors may be compared, and the songsmay be reordered to group like (or dislike) songs. Optionally, the colorof the song(s) may be determined and also may be used to controllighting, displays, etc. to provide a more interactive experience.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an exemplary distribution andinitialization scheme for a jukebox with morph capability. In accordancewith an exemplary embodiment, the contents of a factory drive aredefined at the point of manufacture 181. This same drive (or expandedmedia storage) may be shipped out with all jukeboxes 183, and may, forexample, only contain a subset of the total number of songs available onthe central server. This features simplifies the manufacturing processby enabling the identical drive to be shipped with all jukeboxes. Oncethe jukebox containing the drive has reached its destination, theoperator may select a subset of songs on the drive as the basic playablelist 185. This selection can be made based on the type of establishment,the type of music the establishment's patrons typically prefer, or anyother suitable criteria. The operator may also allow the central serverto recommend a basic playable list. The drive may also allow selectionof songs not on the basic list, but present on the factory drive, for anadditional fee 187. This list of “alternate” songs might not include allsongs however, as the operator might desire to restrict access to songsthat don't meet the theme of the establishment. For example, a countrybar owner might not ever want to allow selection of rap or hip-hop songson the jukebox. In certain exemplary embodiments, a jukebox will shipwith a large number of songs (e.g. 25,000 songs) on a very large storagemedium, such as, for example, a hard drive, flash media, etc. Thejukebox according to this embodiment would be without a “personality”until an operator and/or owner selected a subset of all songs to makeavailable to patrons. In this way, operators and/or owners can define“personalities” for their jukeboxes through definition of the basicplayable list.

Once the songs on the drive have been appropriately categorized (i.e.the basic playable list has been defined), the jukebox begins operation189. As long as a new basic playable list is not desired 191, thejukebox continues to operate 189 with the currently selected basicplayable list. If a new basic playable list is desired 191, the jukeboxmorphs 193 into a “new” jukebox, selecting a different playable subsetof songs for basic selection 185, and preferably changing additionalcharacteristics (e.g., graphics, ads, look and feel, etc.) of thejukebox as dictated by the morph. The ability to morph jukeboxes thusenables owners and/or operators to maintain a single jukebox with aplurality of triggerable personalities which can be switched betweenautomatically, at pre-defined events/times, manually, etc.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of anautomatic jukebox morph initiation process based on a triggering event.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user may define an event201, for example a themed night or a time of day, as a triggering eventwhich triggers a jukebox morph. The jukebox then operates as normal 203,checking periodically to see if the triggering event occurs 205. If thetriggering event has not occurred, the jukebox simply continues tooperate 203, but if the triggering event occurs, the jukebox is morphedinto a “new” jukebox. The triggering events may be one time events, orthey may be scheduled to occur weekly, daily, monthly or scheduled basedon any other suitable criteria. It should be noted that in a multi-zoneconfiguration, different zones may be morphed while others do notchange. This feature of the illustrative embodiments allows, forexample, a given zone or zones to be dedicated to a certain kind ofmusic while the other(s) may vary based on any variety of factors, suchas the time of day, an owner's desire to change the music, or a user'srequest.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukeboxmorphing process. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when thejukebox begins morphing 211, it selects a new subset of songs to be thebasic playable list 213. The jukebox then allows some or all of theremaining songs on the jukebox to be selected for an enhanced fee 215.Some of the remaining songs may be restricted based on what triggeredthe morph. Other characteristics of the jukebox may also change 217, forexample, the user interface may be changed, and different advertisingmay be displayed which corresponds with the predicted tastes of thecrowd for which the jukebox has been morphed. Other suitable changes mayalso be made. In one exemplary embodiment, a club owner has a hip-hopnight on Wednesdays, beginning at 9:00 pm and ending at 4:00 am. At 9:00pm on Wednesdays, the jukebox morphs into a hip-hop jukebox, with abasic selection of appropriate music. In accordance with the morph, thejukebox blocks all access to genres of music such as country music,classic rock, jazz, blues and oldies, and the jukebox limits theavailable selection of hard rock additional songs to “hip-hop-esque”hard rock songs. The graphics on the jukebox convert to edgy, urbangraphics, and the advertising changes accordingly, displaying productssuch as apparel, drinks, and goods which should appeal to the hip-hopcrowd. At 4:00 am, the jukebox morphs back into the “standard” jukeboxfor that club, or into any other suitable jukebox. Alternatively, thejukebox may remain set in hip-hop mode until the next triggering eventoccurs. Again, it should be noted that in a multi-zone configuration,different zones may be morphed while others do not change. In the aboveexemplary non-limiting embodiments, the system might morph into hip-hopin one zone for the night, while the “standard” music for the clubremains playing in another area.

FIG. 16A is an exemplary screen shot showing how a morph of a jukeboxcan be initiated in one embodiment. Area 160 is blank to indicate thatno selections have been made. A user will select a morphing option bychoosing, in this exemplary embodiment, for example, either TouchTunesMaster button 162, Dynamic Master button 164, or Clone a Location button166. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may provide furthermorphing options in place of or in addition to the aforementionedbuttons. In this embodiment, pressing the TouchTunes Master button 162will populate area 160 with a list of master selections pre-selected bythe TouchTunes music department. These master selections may include,for example, collections of specific songs (e.g., all songs by Britishbands, all songs by a particular artist, etc.), ratios of particularthemes or genres (e.g., a mix of 75 percent Hip-Hop and 10 percent Pop,10 percent Rock, and 5 percent techno for a particular dance club feel,etc.), etc. A user may peruse the list using slider bar 170. Once theuser is satisfied, pressing Morph It button 168 will morph the jukebox.It is to be appreciated that pressing the Morph It button 168 maytrigger an immediate morph, or it may save the morph and insteadinitiate it at a predefined trigger time. It also is to be appreciatedthat morphing data may be stored for morphing the jukebox on which theselection was made or any number of connected jukebox terminals.

Pressing Dynamic Master button 164 is one exemplary, non-limiting way ofproviding increased user control over the morph. FIG. 16B is anotherexemplary screen shot showing how a user can specify various criteriabefore a morph of a jukebox in one embodiment. A discussion of thebuttons with identical numbers in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B is omitted.Designations for the genres and/or themes of music are provided, suchas, for example, Rap label 172. To specify a given percentage of musicto be played, a user may press increase button 174 or decrease button176. The amount of music selected for that particular genre or themewill appear in a theme music amount area 178, while details about thetotal amount of music selected will appear in total music amount area180. In an embodiment, a user may specify percentages of a genre and/ortheme to play. For example, a user may select only 100 percent Countrymusic for a country night. Alternatively, as another non-limitingexample, a user may select a mix of World and Latin music for aninternational feel. It is to be appreciated that although an exemplaryembodiment uses percentages, other embodiments may use differentmeasures for specifying how many of which type of music should play,such as, for example, the number of songs in a given category, theamount of playtime in a given theme and/or genre, etc. It also is to beappreciated that in other embodiments, a user need not use the buttonsto increase or decrease the amount of music; that is, in otherembodiments, a user may directly input the amount of music via an inputmechanism. Thus, it is to be appreciated that morphing may be definedand/or triggered by a remote device operably connected to a jukebox.

When a user presses Clone a Location button 166 (e.g., from FIG. 16A orFIG. 16B), the jukebox displays a list of the jukebox devices,preferably including a unique identifier for each jukebox device. Inother embodiments, however, the list may include, for example, otherlocations owned by the same owner of the present location, etc. Afterselecting the jukebox terminal, the present jukebox could morph intothat jukebox. Alternatively, the jukebox selected could morph into thepresent jukebox, thus providing, for example, remote morphing. Stillalternatively, the list might include information about non-digitaljukeboxes that exist in addition to the digital jukeboxes of theexemplary embodiments. This morphing feature can allow users to replaceexisting jukeboxes quickly and easily by allowing the new jukebox tomorph into an older jukebox that is being replaced, such as aconventional record, CD or digital jukebox. Additionally, operators whomaintain multiple jukeboxes may, for example, apply a route-basedcloning and/or morphing process to provide, for example, a custom orparticularized set of songs.

Still further, a user can morph a location based on a location's data,specific to, for example, a given date or the latest data known. Thisallows users to morph a jukebox based on, for example, the popularity ofa given morph—e.g., users may choose to revert to a successful morph totry to recreate the entertainment of that evening. This feature alsoenables users to recover from hard drive crashes and/or other jukeboxfailures. For example, if a hard drive has been replaced after an oldone crashes, a user may morph (or clone) an existing location at a givendate and/or time before the crash to restore the songs that wereavailable before the crash because, preferably, the server maintainsinformation sufficient for this functionality. Thus, using the morphingfunction gives users increased control while also providing backup andrestoration features.

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between a jukebox with expanded mediastorage and a central server. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, the central server 221 contains a master library of songs,such library comprising all songs that are currently available to bedownloaded and all songs currently installed on jukebox hard drives. Thecentral server may communicate 222 with the remote jukebox 225containing a local hard drive 223. The hard drive 223 on the jukebox mayhave several sections, including available space for downloads 227,space occupied by preloaded songs 228, and space for software and anoperating system 229. Additional suitable sections may be added, forexample, a section containing different pictures for altering the GUI.The jukebox 225 may communicate with the central server 221 to downloadsongs, upload usage information, update software, and perform any othersuitable functions.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a song selectionprocess when a song is not in the “standard” available playable songlist. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user first selectsa song 231. The jukebox checks to see if the song is available on thelocal hard drive as a “non-standard” selection 233. If the song isavailable on the local hard drive, the jukebox charges the customer theprice set for obtaining and playing a non-standard song 235 and playsthe song 237 (or adds it to a playlist, when appropriate).

If the song is not available on the local hard drive, the jukebox checksto see if a high-speed connection to the central server is available239. If there is no high-speed connection, the jukebox informs the userthat the song is temporarily unavailable 241 and orders the song fordownload 243. The jukebox may or may not charge an additional amount forordering the song. If, however, there is an available high-speedconnection to the central server, the jukebox orders the songimmediately and uses the high-speed connection to download the songright away, queuing it up for playing 245. The jukebox then charges thecustomer the price of a non-standard selection 247. In certain exemplaryembodiments, a jukebox may retrieve songs offline, either after alocation closes or before it opens. In certain exemplary embodiments, ajukebox may immediately download a song over a dedicated line with adial-up connection. In certain other exemplary embodiments, a song maybe downloaded from another jukebox (or other jukeboxes) rather than froma central or limited database to reduce network strain. In certainexemplary embodiments, the jukebox may download songs via a distributedmedia service in which portions of a given song may be downloaded from aplurality of sources and reassembled for the target jukebox. It is to beappreciated that such a peer-to-peer (or jukebox-to-jukebox) ormultipeer (several jukeboxes to jukebox) digital downloading networkwill need to track song licensing information. In certain exemplaryembodiments, if a song is not available on a jukebox but other versionsor covers are available, the jukebox may recommend to these other songsto the searching user. For example, a user searching for an unavailableTrisha Yearwood version of “How Do I Live” may be recommended availableversions by Dolly Parton and/or LeAnn Rimes. Preferably, recommendationswill be smart enough to ignore similarly named songs that are completelydifferent, such as, for example, the Everly Brothers' “Oh, Pretty Woman”and the Motley Crue's “Pretty Woman.”

The factory drive explained above, combined with the morphingcapabilities, eliminates the need for the local server explained above,as the factory drive can prove the same services as the local server,without the need for a separate hardware device. In other words, thefactory drive embodiment herein enables a jukebox to be shipped with asingle mass storage device of any technology (or multiple technologiesand/or multiple devices acting as a single mass storage device), whilestill enabling a basic playable list to be defined, an expanded playablelist to be defined, morphing capabilities, local server services to beprovided, as well as all other features described herein. The content ofthe factory drive, as shipped, is preferably defined using historical,statistical information on customer preferences.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a priority playqueue with prioritization-based-on-bidding capability. According to anexemplary embodiment, the user first indicates that he would likepriority play 251. The jukebox then displays the current status of thepriority play queue 253. This display may include information such ashow many songs are in the queue, what the top bid is, how much has beenbid on each song, which songs are “locked in,” and any other suitableinformation about the priority queue. The jukebox then allows the userto select how much additional money the user would like to pay to placehis song in a particular spot on the priority list and accepts paymentin the selected amount 255. After accepting the payment 255, the jukeboxplaces the song in a position on the priority list corresponding to theadditional amount received from the user 257.

Alternatively, in another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can bid on the right to have a song played beforeother songs previously selected for priority play are played. In anembodiment, the user is shown the top price paid for a priority play,and can pay more than that price to obtain the highest priorityavailable.

Another exemplary aspect of the illustrative embodiments does not allowa user to be shown how much anyone else has paid for priority. The usercan pay however much the user desires to spend to obtain a priorityranking, and then receive a ranking of priority based on the amountpaid.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can pay however much the user desires to spend toobtain a priority ranking in accordance with the previous exemplaryaspect, and then be shown the priority spot which has been obtainedbased on the paid amount. If this spot is not satisfactory to the user,the user can pay additional money to move the song up in priorityranking, and be shown the new priority ranking obtained based on theadditional money paid. The user can repeat this process until thedesired priority ranking has been obtained. The user can also payadditional money to make it harder for other users to pre-empt theselected priority spot on the list in a bidding-type situation. Anyother suitable method of increased-pay-for-increased-priority may alsobe implemented.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments which may provide a “lock in” feature, a user can “lock in”a priority ranking with a payment of a pre-selected amount. For example,if a user pays 15 credits to obtain a ranking of 3.sup.rd in priority,and wishes to guarantee the third ranking, the user may pay, forexample, 4 more credits to “lock in” the ranking. Since locking in theranking may require the “lock in” of all the rankings above the user aswell, the user may be required to pay a certain amount to “lock in” allsongs above the user's selection. In one such situation, the user caneither choose to pay the price quoted for the “lock in” or pay the sameor a varying amount of credits in an attempt to prevent futureover-bidding or to move the user's song up further in the priority list.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, any of the aforementioned bidding strategies may beimplemented, and the user may be shown how much everyone has paid fortheir particular rankings. This allows the user to know exactly how muchhe will have to pay to obtain a certain priority position. If the “lockin” feature is implemented, this will also let a user know if it ischeaper to pay the price to “lock in” the song or to pay to move up onthe priority list. All of these options result in increased revenue forthe operator.

It should be noted that although the embodiments above describe a systemfor distributing media to non-movable jukeboxes, alternative embodimentsusing similar systems could distribute media to portable jukebox devicesand are contemplated by, and within the scope and spirit of, thisinvention. A portable jukebox may be, for example, a PDA, a cell phone,or any other movable device capable of receiving and playing music.Furthermore, media may be distributed to portable jukeboxes using theabove described methods (e.g. through a broadband connection, wirelessconnection, etc.), or any other appropriate method, more suited to theparticular portable device, such as, for example, using Bluetoothtechnology. Additionally, the jukeboxes described above typically arefor commercial purposes. However, jukeboxes for other purposes such as,for example, playing residential media, also are contemplated by, andwithin the scope and spirit of, this invention.

In other exemplary embodiments, an employee of a location with a jukeboxcan be rewarded based on the number of plays customers pay for on thejukebox. In one such exemplary embodiment, the system keeps count of howmany plays have been paid for by customers. Every time a certain numberof plays have been paid for, the bar employee receives one free play. Insome embodiments, a separate counter will be maintained, while in othersembodiments only one counter may be necessary to calculate the number offree plays available. Thus, certain exemplary embodiments encourageemployees to promote the jukeboxes by compensating the employee withfree plays. This also can help reduce the similarity of song-selectionthroughout the day, preserve free plays for employees of differentshifts, etc.

Similarly, jukebox users may vote for particular instances of media toalter their priority in playlists. In this way, jukebox users can, forexample, “battle” for control over the music to be played in aparticular zone or particular zones within or among locations. It willbe appreciated that this voting/battle mode may be implemented by using,for example, a dynamic queue, a priority queue, multiple queues, etc. Italso will be appreciated that a jukebox could put into a voting modeautomatically (e.g. at a particular time of day and/or on a particularday of the week), or it could be triggered manually. FIG. 19A is aflowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukebox votingprocess. Unlike conventional jukebox operations, or even jukebox biddingmodes, a list of songs in a jukebox queue is displayed to users in stepS1902. This list may be generated automatically, by operators, barmanagers, patrons at a bar, etc. The list could be displayed, forexample, on a jukebox, or, more preferably, on one or more stand-alonemonitors. Additionally, in certain example embodiments, the list couldbe viewed by a plurality of mobile devices and/or terminals. Preferably,the information displayed contains at least the artists and names ofcoming songs, and a number associated with the priority of those songs.The list should be sorted by this number, so that the song with the most“votes” is displayed as the “next” song to be played, followed by thenext highest song, etc. Step S1904 determines whether the currentlyplaying song is over. If it is over, step S1906 removes it from thequeue, and the next song is played in step S1908. In another embodiment,users could vote to stop/skip the currently playing song (or instance ofmedia) by, for example, exceeding the number of votes the song hadbefore the jukebox started playing.

As users see the coming songs, they will be tempted to push up the songsthey like so the songs and/or push down the songs they do not like. Ingeneral, the more users who vote, the greater the ambiance of goodsongs. Thus, after step S1908, or in the case that the song is not over,the jukebox receives users' votes for particular songs in step S1910.Voting can be based on credits (as users buy credits), or tied to auser's account. In certain example embodiments, users must login toplace a vote, and in certain example embodiments, users can vote alimited number of times. Preferably, users may vote from at least twodistinct places within a location. The queue is updated based on thisvoting in step S1912, and the process returns to step S1902, where thedisplayed list is refreshed.

In certain example embodiments, the queue may be based on the totalnumber of votes for particular songs. In certain other exampleembodiments, users may vote for and/or against certain songs and the“net” information may be displayed, indicating the number for andagainst, or merely the net result. If there are more votes against asong than for, the system can perform one or more of the followingfunctions. For example, the jukebox simply may keep the song in thequeue with a negative number of votes. Alternatively, the jukebox maykeep the song in the queue with a zero or negative number of votes, but,for example, always wait until the net vote reaches at least 1 beforeplaying the song. Still alternatively, the jukebox may drop any songthat reaches zero or a negative number of votes.

FIG. 19B(1) is an exemplary screenshot showing a voting queue display.Display 1900 a shows the currently playing song 1902 and its progress1904. It will be appreciated that progress 1904 of currently play song1902 may be displayed in any number of ways, such as, for example, as anumber indicating the time remaining, a sliding bar, etc. Artist andsong list 1906 preferably is displayed based on the corresponding numberof votes in votes area 1908 a. Optionally, user area 1910 may indicateinformation about the users voting for the songs, such as, for example,the user placing the song on the list, the last user to vote for thesong, the name of the group “battling” to have the song played, etc.

FIG. 19B(2) is another exemplary screenshot showing a voting queuedisplay. FIG. 19B(2) is similar to FIG. 19B(1), but votes area 1908 breflects the “net” voting of users. That is, for example, in FIG.19B(1), the display indicates the number of votes for and against aparticular song, as well as the net voting result.

FIG. 19C is an exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanism withina given location. Display 1900 a corresponds to FIG. 19B(1), though itwill be appreciated that a display corresponding to FIG. 19B(2) could besubstituted, as well as any other display indicating the same or similarinformation. The list preferably is updated by jukebox 16. Users mayvote to update the list (e.g. vote for/against a song) via jukebox 16,or by any device optionally connected to jukebox 16, such as, forexample, another jukebox 1912 a. a remote terminal 1912 b, a laptop 1912c, a PDA 1912 d, a cell phone 1912 e, another mobile device 1912 f, etc.

FIG. 19D is another exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanismwithin a given location. FIG. 19D differs from FIG. 19C in that usersvoting from optionally connected devices 1912 a-f may affect the votinglist directly, without interfacing with jukebox 16.

An alternate application includes a voting-mechanism where multiplelocations (e.g. bars, restaurants, venues, etc.) are networked togetherthrough, for example, the Internet. Those linked locations allow morepatrons to “battle” against each other. In this embodiment, thenetworked jukeboxes would be playing the same song and collectively allusers from all locations would decide on the playing order through thevoting mechanism or the like. Thus, FIG. 19E is an exemplary blockdiagram showing a voting mechanism for use with multiple locations. Afirst jukebox 16(1) with a first plurality of mobile devices 1912a(1)-f(1) within a first location communicating therewith, as well as asecond jukebox 16(2) with a second plurality of mobile devices 1912a(2)-f(2) within a second location communicating therewith a may affecta playlist accessible by jukeboxes 16(1) and 16(2).

FIG. 19F is another exemplary block diagram showing a voting mechanismfor use with multiple locations. It is like FIG. 19E, except firstplurality of mobile devices 1912 a(1)-f(1) and second plurality ofmobile devices 1912 a(2)-f(2) may directly affect the voting list.

An alternate application of this voting features relates to enhancingthe “pause” mode of a jukebox. A jukebox, while in pause mode, typicallyprevents users from selecting music from the jukebox. For example,bartenders may use a pause mode when a special event (e.g. a footballgame) is presented at the location and when the audio system of thelocation is playing the match or event. The voting feature can be usedto select which songs will be played after the special event is over. Ithas been widely observed that patrons watching a game very often leavethe location once a match is over. This alternate method of selectingsongs to be played is likely to motivate patrons to stay in a locationand/or continue using the jukebox, etc.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an illustrative process for using auser-tailored system for managing music, communications, etc. inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment. It is to be appreciated thatthe Personal Music Assistant may work as a complement to, component of,etc. to systems according to this exemplary embodiment. In step S2000, auser accesses the user-tailored system, dubbed MyTouchTunes in thiscase. It is to be appreciated that a user may access the system at anumber of locations, such as, for example, via an Internet front-end, ata jukebox terminal, etc. It further is to be appreciated that the usermay access the system in any number of ways, such as, for example, byinputting a username and password combination into the Internetfront-end or jukebox terminal, by swiping a credit card at a jukeboxterminal, by scanning a site-specific “smart-card” or flash card, etc.In certain example embodiments, a user may be recognized throughbiometric data, such as, for example, finger prints, retinal scans, etc.It will be appreciated that biometric authentication may workindependently, or together with, more conventional forms of identifyingusers, such as, for example, username/password combinations,smart-cards, and the like. The system determines whether it recognizesthe user in step S2002. If the user is not recognized, the user can beprompted to create account/profile information, as in step S2004. Theaccount/profile information will be described in more detail below withreference to FIG. 21A.

If the user is recognized in step S2002, the MyTouchTunes main menu isdisplayed for the user in step S2006. From the MyTouchTunes main menu,users using a system according to this exemplary embodiment may, forexample, edit account/profile information in step S2010, manage music instep S2020, manage buddies in step S2030, communicate with others instep S2040, and/or access various value-added content that may beprovided by the system in step S2050. These and other features will bedescribed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 21A through 21B.

FIG. 21A shows illustrative options available for editingaccount/profile information in one exemplary embodiment. As noted above,it is to be appreciated that the exemplary steps illustrated in FIG. 21Amay correspond to the steps required for initial account/profile setup.In such an initial setup case, however, an exemplary system mightrequire the user to complete all of the required information at one timebefore allowing the user to access the main menu (step S2006 in FIG.20). It also is to be appreciated that such account/profile informationcould be stored in various locations as necessary to a givenimplementation, such as, for example, in a central location or database,on a particular establishment's server, on specific jukebox terminals,and/or on a removable card that would identify the user and the user'sinformation when inserted into a jukebox.

A user would first input personal data in step 2012. Such personal datamay include, for example, an e-mail address for the user, a telephone(preferably mobile phone) number, and/or a name. The system also mayprompt the user to create a unique username and password so that thesystem can identify the user at later times and from other locations.Alternatively, the system may use the user's e-mail address as ausername and only require a corresponding password. Still alternatively,in the case of residential jukeboxes, for example, an exemplary systemmay not require a password at all. Based on the personal data, theexemplary system may gather enough information to recognize the user atlogins (e.g., online access, preferred location, other locations withina given area, etc.) as well as send e-mail and text messages to theuser. These exemplary features will be discussed in greater detailbelow.

In step S2014, users may specify various locations they frequent. Thisfeature may enable user-tracking by various establishments, advertisers,etc. Establishments may, for example, provide special offers to regularsor others in a particular area to entice them to come visit. Advertisersmay monitor the personal information, location information, andplaylists to provide, for example, concert tickets, special offers onCDs, t-shirts, and/or other merchandise that may seem to be appealingbased on the user's preferences. Still further, if such account/profileinformation is stored locally on various terminals, the system maycommunicate with those other terminals to provide the playlists inpreparation for a user's visit. In step S2016, a user may add creditsand/or specify payment information. Users may, for example, use theircredit cards to increase the number of credits they have before enteringan establishment, or while at an establishment. Alternatively, users maybecome “certified” by, for example, providing credit card informationand allowing jukeboxes to automatically bill their credit cards forfuture credits purchased, etc. It is to be appreciated that step S2016can be used to purchase credits for oneself or for someone else, suchas, for example, one's buddies, an employee of the establishment, etc.It also is to be appreciated that a user may transfer money from anaccount, such as, for example, a Pay-Pal account, to a jukebox-specificaccount, or a user might use such an account to purchase music and/orservices directly.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a user may register by creating anaccount at a jukebox and providing a verifying contact mechanism, suchas, for example, a mobile phone number and/or email address. After auser creates an account and inputs verifying contact mechanism, amessage may be sent to that location. For example, a user may receive atext message. Once that message is received, the user may be prompted toinput a code to the jukebox, send a return email or text message, etc.,to become fully registered and/or to take advantage of certain otheradvanced features, such as, for example, one or more of the featuresdisclosed herein.

FIG. 21B shows illustrative options available for managing music in oneexemplary embodiment. In step S2022, a user may create or edit alreadyexisting playlists. Users preferably can search through songs using theabove-described methods and/or use system-generated suggestions to buildtheir playlists. Preferably, users also may give their playlistsdescriptive titles, such as, for example, “Favorite Jams,” “'80s Night,”“Smooth Love Songs,” etc. Users may further designate their playlists as“public” or “private” to allow or restrict other users from browsingtheir playlists. Users may, in step S2024, rate their songs and/orplaylists through the PickList feature. The PickList also may generate acustom playlist comprising the songs the user has rated the highest at agiven time. Alternatively, a PickList may comprise a list based on theHotHits list described above. In step S2026, a user may play music on ajukebox using, for example, any of the above described methods with orwithout using these playlists. Normally, selecting a playlist for playon a jukebox will add those songs to the regular queue. However, asdescribed above, users may pay an additional fee and/or use the biddingmechanism described above to play their music immediately. Furthermore,selecting a playlist (or playlists) for play on a jukebox normally willplay all songs in that particular playlist (or in those particularplaylists). However, users may unselect certain songs to prevent themfor being played. This enables users to further customize playlistsdynamically when they are playing their music.

In addition or in the alternative, further playlists may be importedfrom external sources. For example, software and/or hardware devicesoften store user-defined and/or custom-generated (e.g., most frequentlyplayed, recently added, etc.) playlists. By way of example and withoutlimitation, playlists may be extracted from iPods, portable MP3 players,and/or other hardware devices. This may be done at the jukebox using anappropriate hardware connector provided to the jukebox and/or at adevice remote from the jukebox (e.g., on a home computer) where it ismore likely that an appropriate hardware connector will already belocated (e.g., a proprietary docking port, a USB connection, etc.). Ineither or both cases, the playlists may be uploaded to a centralaudiovisual distribution server after the playlist is imported to thelocal device. Similarly, by way of example and without limitation,playlists may be extracted from iTunes, Windows Media Player, and/orother software applications. In many cases, such devices and/or softwareapplications store playlists in an unencrypted and/or unencoded mannersuch that the playlists may be read in a manner similar to a flat textfile. In this and/or other ways, the imported playlists may be madeavailable to one or more jukeboxes connected to the audiovisualdistribution network. Of course, in certain other cases, it may benecessary to decrypt, unencode, and/or perform other processing on theplaylists of other hardware devices and/or software applications, priorto processing to make the now-readable playlists suitable for use, forexample, on a jukebox or in connection with a jukebox-related service.

This feature may be advantageous to users in that the need to create andsubsequently recreate existing playlists may be reduced, at leastinsofar as a single playlist may be defined on a device and subsequentlyused on a jukebox at a later time without a significant amount ofreentering, reselection, and/or regrouping of the same information. Suchtechniques also provide yet a further means of interacting with andcustomizing the jukebox to the user's preferences, e.g., by enabling thecustomization of playlists through devices and/or software applicationswith which the user may be more comfortable and/or have more experience,have different interfaces, etc.

Thus, systems and/or methods of distributing a playlist to one or moredigital jukeboxes connected to an audiovisual distribution network isprovided in certain example embodiments. A peripheral device having aperipheral playlist stored in a computer-readable storage medium thereonis connected to a digital jukebox via a connector. The peripheralplaylist is retrieved for the digital jukebox. This may be accomplishedby programmed logic circuitry (e.g., any suitable combination ofhardware, software, firmware and/or the like) provided to the jukebox.The peripheral playlist is converted to a jukebox playlist. The jukeboxplaylist is published at least on the jukebox. Similarly, a softwareapplication running on a computer device (e.g., a PC, a laptop, PDA, orother similar portable computing device) may be read by a computer andpublished to a server on the audiovisual distribution network. Theperipheral device may be, for example, at least one of a portable musicplayer, a computer, and/or a mobile phone.

The peripheral playlist may be at least temporarily stored to acomputer-readable storage medium of the digital jukebox. It may bedetermined whether the jukebox playlist is to be designated a publicjukebox playlist or a private jukebox playlist. Based on thedetermination, the jukebox playlist may be made publicly available orkept private to the particular registered user importing the playlist.

The jukebox playlist may be sent to a server of the audiovisualdistribution network, and the jukebox playlist may be made available tojukeboxes connected to the audiovisual distribution network and/orremote devices connected to the audiovisual distribution network. Theperson importing the playlist may have to log into the jukebox or aportal to the jukebox before being allowed to import the playlist.

A jukebox device to accomplish the same and/or similar functionality mayalso be provided, wherein at least some of the functionality is enabledthrough the use of a processor provided to the jukebox.

In certain exemplary embodiments, it may be advantageous to preventusers from creating playlists directly at the jukeboxes using thejukebox interfaces themselves. For example, this may reduce the amountof crowding around a jukebox, monopolization of the jukebox by a singleor a few users, etc. In addition or in the alternative, users may have areduced ability to create playlists directly at a jukebox. For example,a user may be able to create a playlist from a predetermined set ofsongs. That predetermined set of songs may include only those songsplayed by the user on that particular night, at the jukebox(es) at thatparticular location, at any jukebox(es) connected to the audiovisualdistribution network, etc. In this way, it may be possible to enable theuser to benefit from the customization of playlists techniques describedherein directly at the jukebox while also reducing the time required todo so. In addition, the users may be prompted to create playlists inwhich songs that have been played, and thus may be likely to be playedagain, are added.

Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, systems and/or methods forplaying instances of media on a digital downloading jukebox areprovided. A user is required to log into the jukebox. A plurality ofselectable instances of media are provided for play on the jukebox. Userselection of an instance of media from the plurality of selectableinstances of media is enabled via a user interface to the jukebox. Foreach user selection, the instance of media is added to a playlist storedin a computer-readable storage medium of the jukebox. The instances ofmedia in the playlist are played in order. The plurality of selectableinstances of media is selected from a master group of instances of mediain dependence on a previous play of an instance of media by the user.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality of selectable instancesof media is formed from instances of media previously played by the userwithin a predetermined time period and/or from instances of mediapreviously played by the user at a predetermined location. In certainexemplary embodiments, the plurality of selectable instances of media isformed from instances of media stored in a list of recently playedinstances of media associated with the user.

Once songs are added to a playlist, a playlist may be played in whole orin part. For example, if a user has enough credits, the entire playlistmay be played. However, if the user does not have enough credits, theuser may either enter additional payment to purchase a sufficient numberof credits to play the entire playlist or may play only a portion of thesong. In the latter case, the user may be prompted to select a subset ofsongs for play from the playlist. Alternatively, the songs from theplaylist may be played in order until the credits are exhausted.Optionally, a prompt for the user to enter additional payment to playthe whole playlist may be presented when appropriate, and it may removedfrom a display once sufficient payment has been inserted.

Also with respect to the amount users may be charged for plays, it willbe appreciated that in certain exemplary embodiments, registered and/orverified users may be given “price breaks” on plays. For example, usersnormally may be charged a premium for selecting a song that is notcurrently available on the jukebox (e.g., requires a download, e.g.,from the audiovisual distribution network or other source). In certainexemplary embodiments, certain preferred users may only be charged areduced or the minimal amount of credits (e.g., only 1 credit), nomatter what the source of the song. In certain other exemplaryembodiments, preferred users may only be charged the minimal amount ofcredits if the song was recently played by the particular user. In stillother exemplary embodiments, preferred users may only be charged areduced or the minimal amount of credits if the song exists in aplaylist associated with the user (e.g., a playlist the user created, aplaylist created by another that the user played in whole or in part,etc.). Thus, it may be possible in certain exemplary embodiments toreward verified users by reducing the number of credits charged forcertain instances of media associated with the playlists of those users.

As such, systems and/or methods of playing an instance of media on adigital downloading jukebox are provided in certain exemplaryembodiments. A plurality of instances of media on the jukebox isprovided. An interface is provided to a user of the jukebox to allow theuser to search for a particular instance of media for play on thejukebox. It is determined whether the instance of media is available forimmediate play on the jukebox free from additional processing by thejukebox (e.g., without the need for further downloading or retrieval ofthe instance of media beyond that which is standard for plays, withoutthe need for non-standard searches, etc.). When the instance of media isavailable for immediate play, the user is charged a predetermined firstnumber of credits and the instance of media is queued up for play. Whenthe instance of media is not available for immediate play, it isdetermined whether the user is a verified user. When the user is averified user, a second predetermined number of credits is charged ifthe instance of media exists in a playlist associated with the user, butotherwise a third predetermined number of credits is charged. Theinstance of media is queued up for play. The second predetermined numberof credits is less than the third predetermined number of credits, andthe third predetermined number of credits is greater than the firstnumber of predetermined credits.

With respect to the charges, then, in certain exemplary embodiments, theprice for a normal play may be the same as the price for a premium songrequiring download when the user is a registered user. In certainexemplary embodiments, the playlist associated with the user is aplaylist previously created by the user, a playlist including songsrecently played by the user, and/or a playlist created by another userbut recently played at least in part by the user.

The determination of whether the instance of media is available forimmediate play on the jukebox free from additional processing by thejukebox may include determining whether the instance of media resides ona storage area separate from a dedicated storage area of the jukeboxcomprising immediately playable instances of media. The separate storagearea may be a remote server, a partition of the dedicated storage areaof the jukebox, a separate storage area within the jukebox, etc. Thedetermination of whether the instance of media is available forimmediate play on the jukebox free from additional processing by thejukebox may include, in addition or in the alternative, determining theuser's search methodology provided by the interface. For example, apremium may be charged for a “super-search” as compared to a title orartist search. Of course, these examples are provided by way of exampleand without limitation, and other search methodologies described hereinmay be provided, and the pricing may be distinguished on the basisthereof, alone and/or in combination with the type of user and/or theexistence of the instance of media in a playlist associated with theuser.

Here, as elsewhere, any suitable combination of programmed logiccircuitry (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, and/or any suitablecombination thereof) may enable such functionality. Additionally,instructions for carrying out the same may be stored on any suitablecomputer-readable storage medium.

FIG. 21C shows illustrative options available for managing buddy listsin one exemplary embodiment. Users may keep track of buddies (e.g.,friends, regulars at a bar, etc.). The system may use any instantmessaging standard, such as, for example, AOL Instant Messenger, MSNMessenger, Yahoo! Messenger, ICQ, a custom jukebox-specific protocol,etc. to send and receive messages. Preferably, the system would alertthe user of the buddies' statuses (e.g., online, inactive, busy, etc.).In step S2032, a user may create or edit an already existing buddy list.Users may search for buddies by, for example, inputting their names,e-mail addresses, etc. Additionally, users may invite friends to join byissuing invitations, preferably by e-mail or SMS (Short Message Service)text message to a mobile phone, in step S2038.

Users also may browse their buddies' music collections, playlists,PickLists, etc., as shown in step S2034. Users then could develop theirown playlists and/or PickLists based on what they perceive as popularamongst their friends. Users also may copy music from their buddies orsend music to their buddies, preferably for a fee, as shown in stepS2036. In a step not shown, users also may designate particular songs toplay when their friends log in to the jukebox, again, preferably for afee. Other features pertaining to communication between buddies will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 21D.

FIG. 21D shows illustrative options available for communicating withothers in one exemplary embodiment. Preferably, the system can sende-mails and SMS messages to mobile phones. It is to be appreciated thatthe system should be able to communicate using any variety ofcommunications protocols, such as, for example, via e-mail and/ore-mail-like messages accessible only by the MyTouchTunes system. It alsois to be appreciated that bar managers may also send messages (e.g., viae-mail, SMS, etc.) to alert others of events, specials, etc. In stepS2042, users may check their inbox. Users may receive messages from, forexample, their friends (or buddies), proprietors, and/or advertisers,etc. Buddies may suggest, for example, songs or places to gather. Insome exemplary embodiment, buddies may receive instant messages on theirmobile phones alerting them of a get-together, a particular user'slocation in a bar, etc. Furthermore, users may leave messages for othersto appear on someone else's next log-in. Proprietors may send messagesto their regulars or others they wish to target to alert them, forexample, of drink specials, upcoming special events, etc. Advertisersmay, based on demographic information provided by users, extend specialoffers. In step S2044, users may send messages to others' e-mailaddress, MyTouchTunes inbox, mobile phones, etc. Alternatively or inaddition to step S2044, in step S2046, users may broadcast messages tobuddies or groups of others, to, for example, alert a particular groupof upcoming parties, etc. Thus, exemplary systems can learn aboutnetworks of friends through the messages that users send. In addition,the jukebox may directly provide an interface for the features describedabove, or it may provide for wireless access to the features, for thoseusers that may bring a wireless device with them to the location (orwithin range) of the jukebox. Some or all of the features can also beprovided to the users remotely by, for example, enabling users to accessthe jukebox services through the internet or other suitablecommunications network, using for example, the user's home computer. Incertain exemplary embodiments, communications may be made to individualusers, predefined groups of users (e.g., family, coworkers, teammates,friends, etc.). Also, custom messages may be composed, or more standardmessages may be selected (e.g., “Meet us at X Bar,” “What are you doingtonight?,” etc.). Groups and/or canned messages may be implemented andused regardless of whether the message is sent via email, SMS, IM, etc.

Similarly, certain exemplary embodiments provide systems and/or methodsfor establishing and managing a registered user's connections. Aregistered user may seek to establish a connection with another user orprospective contact at a jukebox or remote from a jukebox. In eithercase, a user may be prompted to log in. After logging in, the user isprompted to enter information about the prospective connection. This mayinclude, for example, an email address, a mobile phone number, aphysical address, a jukebox-specific messaging service, and/or the like.

Once the information is entered, a confirmation message may be sent(e.g., via the audiovisual distribution network) to the prospectivecontact. The confirmation message may identify the registered user(e.g., by name, login name, with a picture or avatar, etc.) and/orprovide contact information for the registered user (e.g., a phonenumber, email address, jukebox login name, etc.). The prospectivecontact may determine whether a connection between the two should beestablished, e.g., by verifying that the prospective contact reallyknows who the registered user is.

In a case where the prospective contact is not already a registered userof the jukebox services, the prospective contact may be requested, andin some cases required, to become a registered user of the jukeboxservices itself.

After receiving a confirmation message, the prospective contact maychoose whether to accept the registered user as a connection. This maybe done, for example, by sending a message including an acceptance codeor logging into a particular website or jukebox. For example, an emailmessage, text message, or the like may be sent from the prospectivecontact as a confirmation. The acceptance code may be a particularalphanumeric code uniquely identifying the registered user and theprospective contact, or it simply may be the email address or mobilephone number of the prospective contact (e.g., sending an SMS, email,telephone call, and/or other message with a blank message, a “YES”message, an alphanumeric acceptance code, etc.). Alternatively or inaddition, the acceptance code may be embedded in a hyperlink accessibleby the prospective contact and/or may be accessible via a computer-basedinterface (e.g., a website) or jukebox interface. In still otherexemplary embodiments, the prospective contact may have to log into awebsite or jukebox without the use of a preformed hyperlink having anacceptance code embedded therein.

Once the acceptance code is sent from the prospective contact, it may bevalidated, e.g., by a server in the audiovisual distribution network.The validation process may include determining whether the registereduser is valid, whether the prospective contact is valid, etc. If this issuccessful, a connection between the registered user and the prospectivecontact may be established.

Once a connection is established between two people, they maycommunicate with each other via the jukebox and/or jukebox-relatedservices. For example, they may send messages as described above, sharecredits, etc.

Each user may determine how and/when communications may be received. Forexample, a user may use an interface provided on a jukebox or remote tothe jukebox to limit messages to a single communications medium. Forexample, a user may wish to only receive messages on a particular emailaddress (even though another user has provided an alternate emailaddress), in which case messages may be forwarded to the specified emailaddress. In another example, a user may with to never or only becontacted by SMS messages. Still further, a user may limit the times atwhich messages may be received, e.g., to prevent messages from beingsent too late in the evening or too early in the day (for example, whichmight otherwise disturb the user). In such cases, the messages may bequeued at a jukebox or at a server for later delivery. Usersadditionally may specify that they will not accept any incomingconnections unless specified in an access control list. Thus, it will beappreciated that communications among connections may be managed and/orfiltered, for example, to specify when, to where, and from whom they maybe received, etc. A registered user can then use the connections list tocommunicate with the parties in the list using the jukebox or remotedevice that can access the jukebox network, such as by logging on to thenetwork using a personal computer or the like.

FIG. 21E shows illustrative options available for accessing value-addedcontent in one exemplary embodiment. Users could access externalwebsites (preferably of partners) as shown in step S2052 for any numberof reasons. For example, advertisers may place banner ads pertaining tothe particular song or album selected to allow users to place orders forrelated merchandise. Advertisers may use profile information to targetads, e-mails, text, etc., potentially anywhere (e.g., online, on ajukebox, etc.). For example, jukebox use can be used as a “qualifier”for targeting certain products (either conspicuously ornon-conspicuously) to individuals who spend more than a certain amounton jukeboxes yearly. Users also may access external websites to link toa particular band's website, to order sheet music or guitar or bass“tabs,” to view lyrics, etc. Also, in step S2054, users may follow alink to download/purchase songs and/or albums from a third-partyprovider such as iTunes or Amazon.com. In some exemplary embodiments,this step may also be linked to from the “Manage Music” screen (stepS2020), etc. Additionally, in step S2056, users may order custom CDs andhave them shipped, preferably for a fee. Users could base these orderson their playlists, their PickLists, their buddies' playlists, theHotHits list described above, etc.

It is to be appreciated that although the above-described exemplaryMyTouchTunes system has been described in terms of a broad concept formaking accounts available on any compatible system, other exemplaryembodiments are contemplated where accounts may be made available tosmaller subsets of jukeboxes, including, for example, a single jukeboxterminal acting in isolation. Furthermore, a large group may act as ifit were one system in isolation, or, alternatively, it could havecomplete knowledge of all user accounts/profiles, locations, etc.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary screen shot of a login page in accordance withone exemplary embodiment. A user may enter an e-mail address in usernamearea 2200 and a password in password area 2202. As a shortcut, a usermay select a common e-mail domain from domain list 2204. It is to beappreciated that although this embodiment requires an e-mail address anda password, other embodiments may require a username that need not be ane-mail address. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that a username andpassword may not be required, for example, on a home jukebox system, andthat in yet further embodiments, only a username may be required. A usercan use keyboard 2206 to enter the required information, though it is tobe appreciated that other input devices, such as a keyboard attached toa home computer, may be used. It also is to be appreciated that thelogin screen shown in FIG. 22 may appear on an actual jukebox device, ona computer (e.g., through a web-interface, custom software, etc.), on amobile device, etc.

Preferably, a successful log-on displays a main menu for users. FIG. 23is an exemplary screen shot showing the features available after arecognized user has logged in, in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment. A customized greeting (e.g., the user's name) is displayedin area 2300. Playlists 2302, 2304, and 2306 are displayed withdescriptive names along with the number of credits required to play afull playlist. For example, to play playlist 2302 costs 7 plays.Preferably, playlists are presumed to be public, which allows otherusers to view them. Playlists may be designated private, however, as is,for example, playlist 2306. Users can create additional playlists bypressing playlist creator button 2308, and they can edit alreadyexisting playlists by pressing playlist manager button 2310. Theplaylist manager may allow users to, for example, change existingplaylists by adding and/or removing songs, deleting playlistscompletely, etc.

Users can manage a buddy list by adding a buddy by pressing add buddybutton 2314. Alternatively, they can remove a buddy by pressing removebuddy button 2316. Users also can communicate by sending messages totheir buddies by pressing send message button 2318. This feature can, incertain embodiments, for example, send SMS messages to mobile devices,send e-mails, send messages to appear when the recipient user nextlogs-in, etc. In still other embodiments, users can, for example, usethis feature to send songs, donate credits, etc. Indicator area 2320shows that the current user has received one message, and it identifiesthe sender. In other embodiments, however, other information may bedisplayed, a more complete inbox (e.g., with folders, forwarding, etc.)may be provided, etc. Credit indicator area 2322 provides accountstatus. In this embodiment, it indicates that the user has previouslypurchased 20 plays online, and has entered enough money in a localjukebox terminal for 5 additional plays, for a grand-total of 25potential plays.

Another aspect of the instant invention relating to improvements inbackground music will now be described. The local server and TuneCentral feature described herein, open up a whole new world forbackground music on a jukebox. Currently, when no paid for music isqueued, jukeboxes may play background (ambiance) music with the help ofan auxiliary system connected to the jukebox, such as DMX or satelliteradio. Alternatively, if they play background music with their ownmusic, they are limited to the songs available for play on the jukebox,typically about 2000 songs. These songs are also available for selectionby jukebox patrons. Conventional digital jukeboxes are typicallyconnected to a remote network through the internet for accessingextended music. These applications are therefore not well suited forproviding background music services other than the music locallyavailable as this would require constant download or streaming from theremote servers for the background music.

However, jukeboxes equipped with an external server or large musicpartition (such as Tune Central described herein) can select backgroundmusic to play from that large pool of songs, even if the song is notavailable for play through the standard interface. This permits a vastmusical variety for background music using jukeboxes. The backgroundmusic selection can be made automatically by the jukebox randomly orwith an advanced algorithm that selects music based on genres, themes,era or other criteria. Also, background music lists can be preprogrammedby a disk jockey or the like (background playlists) and sent from acentral server to jukeboxes. Since music rights can differ for songsavailable in pay-per-play mode and background music, there is, in anembodiment of the invention, an indicator for each song or songaggregations (e.g., all songs from ABC record label) allowing thejukebox to distinguish between songs that can be played as backgroundmusic (as opposed to normal jukebox play) based on the availability ofthe proper music rights, thereby enabling proper royalty accounting aswell. In an embodiment of the invention, the jukebox offers advancedoptions for allowing an operator to configure how background music willbe performed, based on genre, themes, indicators (flags), such asbillboard hit, Christmas music, playlists (e.g., DJ John—summer 2005),etc. In another embodiment of the invention, the operator configures thejukebox to allow the bartender to further configure the background musicmode through, for example, a remote control; much like the bartenderwould select a radio station in prior background music systems. Thismode offers genres or theme based music or playlists for enhancingbackground music functionality. The operator can, for example, configurewhich genre, theme or playlists is available to the bartender. Inaddition, a remote control with programmable keys combined with suitablesoftware can be provided to allow the bartender (or other person) toselect (e.g., for a particular zone) a certain background music playlist or TV audio input for special event like, for instance, a footballgame in a bar zone, thereby providing convenient and effectivebackground music services and other services through the jukebox device.

Thus, similar to the background music services, “channels” of music maybe provided. A proprietor of a location may select a channel to play. Alist of channels may be defined by the location and/or defined by thecontent provider (e.g., the jukebox provider). In certain exemplaryembodiments, channels may correspond to the themes or genres of musicalready provided to the jukebox (e.g., rap, rock, country, etc.). Inaddition or in the alternative, the proprietor of the location may groupsongs together to form custom channels for or at a particular locationor group of locations, and/or shareable between many potentiallyunrelated or unassociated jukeboxes (e.g., as a sort of public channel).The thousands of songs provided to the jukebox may be played in acoherent grouping as background music, for example, through this channelfeature. For example, a predetermined amount of time after no money hasbeen inserted into the jukebox and/or after all songs in the queue havebeen played, a channel of music (e.g., selected by a proprietor,manager, etc.) may play. The channel may be activated in thisillustrative case substantially free from direct user input, forexample, so that the switching from normal jukebox operation tobackground mode is substantially transparent to the normal patronsand/or authorized users (e.g., managers, proprietors, etc.) of thejukebox. Of course, it will be appreciated that authorized users of thejukebox may also cause the jukebox to change from normal operation modeto a channel mode and vice versa, control the switching of channels,choose between channels, etc.

Numerous advantages are provided by this feature. For example, noauxiliary source of media is required to play instances of mediaprovided to the jukebox, thereby reducing the need for, for example,satellite radio, broadcast radio, CD players, and/or other equipment(e.g., in addition to or in place of the jukebox), some of which mayrequire additional costs in terms of hardware and in terms of monthlysubscription fees. Rather, a jukebox channel may provide hundreds oreven thousands of instances of media playable directly from the jukebox.In this way, numerous different channels of background music can beprovided on the jukebox using the music stored in the jukebox oravailable on the network. The available channels can then be selected byan authorized person using, for example, the remote control providedwith the jukebox. The various channels could also be displayed on thejukebox on request, so that a channel can be selected from the list.

Furthermore, unlike traditional broadcast and enhanced satellite radiochannels, a jukebox patron may exercise control over the content of aparticular channel by more than simply tuning to a new channel. Forexample, an authorized user (e.g., a proprietor, manager, etc.) may usea jukebox remote control to skip songs, replay songs, remove songs fromthe channel, add songs to the channel, etc. Currently, thisfunctionality is not possible in connection with broadcast or satelliteradio channels. The jukebox channel optionally may learn from thiscontrol behavior and, similar to a ratings system, may adapt the channelto more frequently play popular songs, less frequently play skippedsongs, etc.

Still further, jukebox channels are not subject to the same kinds ofphysical problems associated with traditional broadcast and satelliteradios. For example, whereas a satellite radio may be inoperable duringbad weather conditions, a jukebox channel may function substantiallyindependent of the outside conditions. Similarly, a jukebox channel isnot subject to the same kinds of geographical restrictions associatedwith the antennas of traditional broadcast channels, in that, forexample, a jukebox channel may be played wherever there is a jukebox.Indeed, a jukebox channel does not even require the presence of apersistent or establishable internet connection, although it will beappreciated the same may be advantageously used in connection withcertain exemplary embodiments where it is desirable to having streamingmedia, updatable channels, etc.

Thus, certain exemplary embodiments provide systems and/or methods ofoperating a digital downloading jukebox. A plurality of channels isdefined, with each said channel having a plurality of instances of mediaassociated therewith. A channel is selected from the plurality ofchannels on the part of an authorized user. One or more patron uses ofthe jukebox is responded to in a first mode, with at least some of saiduses including adding instances of media to a queue for play on thejukebox and playing said queued instances of media. When the jukebox isnot responding to a patron request and/or playing a queued instance ofmedia, the instances of media in the channel are played in a secondmode. The first mode is different from the second mode, and the secondmode is not directly controllable by a patron of the jukebox. In certainexemplary embodiment, the second mode may be a background music mode(e.g., such that the music is played at a lower volume, etc.).

In certain exemplary embodiments, the instances of media may beassociated with channels by an authorized user and, in addition or inthe alternative, the instances of media may be associated with channelsaccording to a theme and/or genre (e.g., rap, rock, country, etc.)associated with each said instance of media.

A frequency an instance of media in a channel is played may be changedin dependence on one or more control codes received from the authorizeduser. The control codes may correspond to at least one of: skipping aninstance of media being played by the channel, replaying an instance ofmedia being or having just been played by the channel, and removing aninstance of media from the channel.

Here, as elsewhere, any suitable combination of programmed logiccircuitry (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, and/or any suitablecombination thereof) may enable such functionality. Additionally,instructions for carrying out the same may be stored on any suitablecomputer-readable storage medium.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for accessing asystem remotely according one exemplary embodiment. In step S2402, auser logs into a jukebox system from a location and/or device differentfrom a jukebox housed locally in a bar. In an embodiment, the user willaccess the system through a web browser to gain access to an Internetportal. However, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms foraccessing the system are possible, such as, for example, via a mobiledevice (e.g. a cell phone, PDA, etc.), a stand-alone application to berun on a remote computer, an appropriately configured jukebox, etc.Moreover, it will be appreciated that the features and/or servicesoffered by the system may depend on the mechanism and/or device by whichit is accessed. For example, some features may be available for anillustrative embodiment that uses a web browser on a personal computerthat are not available over a cell phone, and vice versa. Keeping withthis example, but still for non-limiting exemplary purposes only,although an illustrative embodiment that uses a web browser on apersonal computer may have access to the full set of features and/orservices (e.g. music downloads, participation in forums, chat rooms,etc.), an illustrative embodiment that uses a cell phone may only beable to download music and receive text messages. Of course, as variousdevices become more interconnected and more powerful, it will beappreciated that such distinctions may no longer hold.

Step S2404 determines whether the user is recognized by the system as anexisting user. Users not recognized by the system preferably will beprompted to create an account, as in step S2408. Users may be requiredto supply, for example, their names, ages, e-mail addresses, etc.Preferably, users will be able to create profiles including, forexample, a name and/or nickname, their age, their location, and anassociated image. These profiles may be viewable by other users of thesystem. In some exemplary embodiments, users may be required to registerand/or create profiles before participating in some features of thesystem, for example. Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments,users may specify that they want their information, or portions thereof,to remain private. A non-limiting exemplary screen shot for editingaccount information is provided in FIG. 26C, and an accompanyingdescription thereof is given below. After users create their account,preferably a central account database is updated in step S2410. In otherexemplary embodiments, a central account database need not bemaintained, and the account information may be stored elsewhere, suchas, for example, on jukeboxes, on a user's own personal computer, etc.

If users are recognized in step S2404, they may chose a feature and/orservice in step S2406, described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 25and 26A. In some exemplary embodiments, users may have their access tothe system limited by the service to which they subscribe. For example,in some example embodiments, users may have free and unlimited access tothe online system from personal computers, but may have to pay premiumsto access the services via PDAs. Thus, in a step not shown, even if anexisting user is recognized, if they attempt to access the system in anunauthorized way, they will not be permitted to access the system. Thisfeature may, in some exemplary embodiments, also may block unauthorizedaccess by users, registered or unregistered, who attempt toinappropriately access the system and/or its underlying code, songs,etc.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for selecting one ormore of a non-limiting list of services and/or features in a systemaccording to one exemplary embodiment. Other features and/or services inaddition to, and in combination with, those described below are possibleand contemplated herein. FIG. 25 begins with step S2406 as discussedabove in connection with FIG. 24. It will be appreciated that in anembodiment, the steps described below need not be selected in anyspecific order. For example, a user need not search for music beforecommunicating with other users. It also will be appreciated that thesteps described below may, in some exemplary embodiments, be performedalone or in combination. For example, a user may wish to search formusic before communicating with other users.

In step S2502, a user may search for music. Preferably, a user mayspecify search fields, alone or in combination, such as, for example,artist, song, album, genre, etc. An exemplary screen shot showing theresults of a search is provided in FIG. 26E and is discussed below.After searching for music, a user may then, for example, add the foundsongs to a playlist, purchase the songs, or recommend the songs toothers. For example, a typical use might include a user remembering acatchy song at a bar but only remembering that it was a reggae song thathad something to do with “Zion” from Damien Marley's latest album.Accordingly, a user might, in step S2502, search with the followingparameters: artist, “Damien Marley”; song, “Zion” and genre, “reggae.”After the search is performed, the user would be able to select “Road toZion” from a results list. After finding the song, the user might add itto a playlist for convenience the next time the user visits a bar, andthe user might recommend the songs to friends. A user might alsopurchase the single and/or download a digital copy. A particularly bolduser might order the entire “Welcome to Jamrock” album.

In step S2504, a user may manage the user's playlists. An exemplaryscreen shot showing how a user might manage playlists is provided inFIG. 26D and is discussed below. Briefly, a user may, for example,create a new playlist, delete an existing playlist, and/or edit anexisting playlist. In an embodiment, a user might also share a playlist,for example, with friends or the public, and a user might also searchfor publicly available playlists. Preferably, a playlist will have aunique name (e.g. “Joe's All-Time Favorites,” “Ghetto Grooves,” “MaximumChill-Out,” etc.), and, preferably, a playlist will have a plurality ofsongs associated therewith. It will be appreciated that a playlist mightcontain only one song. Additionally, it will be appreciated that in someembodiments users, professional DJs, or others may create and sellplaylists, and that users could pay for and download such playliststhrough the system.

A user may purchase music in step S2506. In one exemplary embodiment, auser may order a single song, a plurality of songs, an entire album, ormultiple albums. In some exemplary embodiments, a user may have hisorder shipped, while in other exemplary embodiments licensed digitalcopies may be made available. In still other exemplary embodiments, itmay be possible to purchase music and download it directly to a mediaplayback device (e.g. an appropriately configured PDA, cell phone, orthe like).

Preferably, a user could communicate with others via e-mail and/or textmessages in step S2508. Step S2508 preferably also will allow users toparticipate in online forums and live chat rooms. Messages sent throughthis step may be delivered to conventional e-mail inboxes, cell phones,etc. Additionally, messages may be displayed on jukeboxes, for example,when recipient users initially log-in, when messages are sent and/orreceived, etc. It will be appreciated that online forums and chat roomsmay use protocols, such as, for example, newsgroups, Network NewsTransfer Protocol (NNTP), Usenet, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), etc., orthey may use custom protocols.

From time-to-time, proprietors or the managers of the system may sponsorcontests, promotions, or giveaways. Users may participate in suchactivities through step S2510. For example, a proprietor might allowanyone who prints a coupon to avoid a cover charge. As another example,there might be a competition for the best playlist. It will beappreciated that these example promotions are for illustrative purposesonly, and that other contests, promotions, giveaways, or the like may bepossible.

In step S2512, a user may edit that user's profile. The discussions ofstep S2408 from FIG. 24 above and FIG. 26C below provide additionaldetail on the type of information preferably associated with a userprofile. A user may logout of the system in step S2514. In someexemplary embodiments, a user may be logged out of the systemautomatically after a predefined period of inactivity.

FIGS. 26A through 26E, which provide sample screen shots, are forexemplary, illustrative purposes only. The specific fields, buttons,graphics, etc. and locations of the same are in no way intended to belimiting. On the contrary, FIGS. 26A through 26E present only oneembodiment of the instant invention. It will be appreciated that otherarrangements and combinations are possible, and those arrangements andcombinations are contemplated herein. It also will be appreciated that auser may navigate through the following screens in any number of ways,and the use of the term “press” indicates only one such implementation.For example, a user may navigate the screens with a mouse, keyboard,touch screen, stylus pen, etc. Preferably, the user interface will bevery smooth and streamlined with a limited amount of advertising orother non-core material. Accordingly, when advertisements, surveys, andthe like are accessible through the user interface, they preferably willbe linked to jukebox functions and or perks tied to their links. Forexample, an advertiser may reward users clicking on one of itsadvertisements with credits, free plays, entries in competitions, etc.Similar rewards may be given to users participating in surveys.

FIG. 26A is an exemplary screen shot showing the features availablebefore a user logins into a system according one exemplary embodiment. Auser will log into the system by entering a username and password intousername field 2600 and password field 2602, respectively, and thenpressing login button 2604. Alternatively, an unregistered user maycreate an account by pressing register button 2606. Navigation buttons2608 help the user navigate the system quickly. In this exemplaryembodiment, navigation buttons 2608 include a home button, an aboutbutton, a FAQ button, and a Find a juke button. The home button returnsthe user to an introductory screen. The about button preferably displaysinformation about the system, including, for example, helpdocumentation, terms and conditions of use, etc. The FAQ buttonpreferably provides information complementary to that given by the aboutbutton and is customized to provide information regarding the mostfrequently asked questions about the system and its associated servicesand features.

The Find a juke button preferably enables a user to search for alocation with a jukebox. Users may, for example, search for locationsnear a certain address, in a particular city to which the user may betraveling, locations that offer special features (e.g. drink specials,guest DJs, etc.), locations likely to play music the user likes (e.g. abar with line dancing might be appropriate for a country music fan,etc.), etc. Social networks also may be built based on postal codes,schools (e.g. high schools, colleges, universities, etc), etc. In anembodiment, when a user finds a specific location, the user may havecustom information, for example, directions, custom maps, hours ofoperation, parking information, etc. displayed. It will be appreciatedthat because jukeboxes located at many locations preferably areconnected to the system and that users' playlists preferably areaccessible by the system, users may receive recommendations likely tofit their tastes. For example, the system might suggest a specific barto users of a certain age in the same town who are known to like aspecific type of music. In certain example embodiments, the jukebox canrecommend that users form certain connections. These suggestedconnections between patrons (and thus potential “buddies”) preferablymay be based on information known to the jukebox though not necessarilyknown to other users. Such information can include, for example, venuesfrequented, musical tastes, ages, etc. In certain example embodiments,therefore, users may be connected based on where they go, notnecessarily where they are from.

Similarly, a jukebox locator service may be provided, and it may existon a jukebox, via a webpage, through the MyTouchTunes web and/or jukeboxinterface(s), etc. The jukebox locator service may receive user inputand search accordingly. For example, a user may specify an address orportion thereof (e.g., city, state, and/or zip code), may search by nameor keyword, or may search for specially enabled jukeboxes. A map may bedisplayed, with each matching location being highlighted. Additionalinformation may be displayed for a given location. Such additionalinformation may include, for example, the name and address of thelocation and/or any other details about the location. For example, thesongs most frequently played may be displayed, as may be certainpromotional offerings, DJs being present, etc.

Additional search criteria may be entered initially or to refine asearch. Such additional search criteria may include the user's age,musical tastes, preferred theme (e.g., Irish bar, country line dancing,etc.), etc. Alternatively, the jukebox locator service may conduct abasic search using only the criteria entered by the user and may thenhighlight recommended locations based on, for example, informationalready known about the user, such as, for example, the above-mentionedadditional search criteria.

FIG. 26F is an exemplary screenshot showing the results of a search witha jukebox locator service. In FIG. 26F, search criteria may be enteredin search block 2601. The search may be restricted using the exemplarysearch criteria 2603 a-d. A map 2605 of the area may be displayed, withmatching locations 2607 being flagged or otherwise distinguished. A usermay select a flag. In this example, when flag 2607′ is selected,information block 2609 including information pertaining to the selectedlocation is displayed. As noted above, information block 2609 maypresent the above-noted or other information pertaining to the location.

Users may enter search terms in search field 2610. Additionally, usersmay further limit their searches by searching only in one of thecategories listed in search parameters list 2612. It will be appreciatedthat the fields of search parameters 2612 are for illustrative purposesonly—other fields may be present in addition to, or in place of, thoselisted, such as, for example, year, popularity, etc. A user may conductthe search by pressing search button 2614. Users may alternativelysearch by filling in search field 2616 and selecting a search parameterfrom the list of search parameters in search parameters dropdown list2618. The results of a search may be displayed according to FIG. 26E,discussed below.

A non-limiting exemplary list of genres is given in genre list 2620. Itwill be appreciated that other genres may be present in genre list 2620,and it also will be appreciated that, in this exemplary embodiment,additional genres may be accessed by clicking the “More . . . ” buttonin genre list 2620. A user pressing a specific genre may receive contenttailored to that genre. For example, pressing the “Alternative” genremay, for example, present a list of the most popular alternative albums,a list of forums dedicated to the discussion of alternative music, etc.

Most popular albums list 2622 contains information related to the mostpopular albums and preferably displays the album cover, the artist name,and the name of the album. Most popular album list 2622 may be generatedin any number of ways. For example, Most popular album list 2622 may bebased on preferences of users of the system, commercial data regardingalbum sales, album sales within a particular geographic segment, etc.Preferably, most popular album list 2622 may be changed depending on thegenre selected from genre list 2620.

Users may access community-specific content by selecting a specificcommunications method from communications methods 2624. In thisexemplary embodiment, users may communicate in groups and/or forums. Itwill be appreciated that participation in groups and/or forums mayrequire registration, and that groups and/or forums may be designatedpublic or private. Preferably, groups will comprise users, for example,with similar interests, in near locations, etc. For example, there maybe a group for so-called “Dead Heads” to allow them to plan meet-uppoints, transportation, etc. for upcoming tours of the Grateful Dead.Forums may function similarly, though they preferably will be morestatic, allowing threaded messages between users.

Breadcrumbs trail 2626 provides a convenient way for navigating throughthe system. Specifically, breadcrumbs trail 2626 traces the path a usertakes in accessing a certain page. Pressing a specific part ofbreadcrumb from breadcrumbs trail 2626 preferably takes the user to acorresponding location.

Information area 2628 and information area 2630 may be customized toprovide additional information to the users. In this exemplaryembodiment, information area 2628 suggests reasons for using specificfeatures (here, creating custom playlists), and information area 2630provides useful tips (here, relating to how to create a customplaylist). It will be appreciated that information areas 2628 and 2630may change depending on, for example, the user, the time of access, thenumber of times a user has accessed a given page, etc. Furthermore, itwill be appreciated that information areas 2628 and 2630 may containdifferent information not related to use of the system, such as, forexample, advertisements, promotions, etc.

FIG. 26B is an exemplary screen shot showing the features availableafter a user logins into a system according to one exemplary embodiment.Based on the user's profile information, user information 2632 and usericon 2634 may be displayed. In this exemplary embodiment, userinformation 2632 comprises a username and a location, and user icon 2634is a solid square. It will be appreciated that additional and/oralternate information may be displayed, and it also will be appreciatedthat only information provided by users may be displayed. Users may edittheir profile, including user information 2632 and user icon 2634 bypressing edit profile button 2636. Users may log out of the system bypressing logout button 2638. In some exemplary embodiments, users may belogged out automatically after a predefined period of inactivity haselapsed.

User playlists 2640 displays the playlists the user has created and/orimported. It will be appreciated that user playlists 2640 will be emptyif a user has not created or imported any playlists. Preferably, theexemplary embodiment will display the unique name specified by the userfor each of the playlists. Users may expand one or more specificplaylists from user playlists 2640 to show the songs associated with theplaylist. In the example shown in FIG. 26B, the “Alternative” playlistis expanded, and four songs 2642 are shown as being associated with the“Alternative” playlist. It will be appreciated that users may expandmultiple playlists, and/or collapse lists after they are expanded.

Preferably, the system will display at least one recommendation 2644.The recommendation preferably will include an album cover, a song name,artist information, and keywords associated therewith. Therecommendation preferably will be generated automatically, and may bebased on a variety of data. The data for generating a recommendation mayinclude, for example, user demographic data (e.g. age, gender, race,etc.), the number and types of songs in the user's playlists, songs theuser has purchased through the system, popular songs, etc. Preferably,the system will allow the user to quickly add the recommended song to aplaylist by pressing add button 2646.

FIG. 26C is an exemplary screen shot showing how a user might updateaccount information. Stats box 2648 displays basic information that willbe publicly available. In this exemplary embodiment, it includes ausername, real name, gender, location, and age. However, it will beappreciated that other embodiments may require additional and/oralternate information. It also will be appreciated that users may electto keep some information (e.g. real name, age, etc.) private.

The username selected in the initial account setup is displayed asusername field 2670. Preferably, a user will not be able to changeusername field 2670 after initial setup, and, preferably, each usernamewill be unique. The user may enter an e-mail address in e-mail addressfield 2652. In an embodiment, the system will send important e-mails(e.g. terms and conditions information, notices of giveaways, bills,etc.) to this e-mail address. A real name may be specified in name field2654. Although this exemplary embodiment shows name field 2654 as asingle field, it will be appreciated that multiple fields may insteadcapture the same information (e.g. fields for first and last names;first, middle, and last names; etc.). A user may choose a gender fromgender options 2656.

A location may be specified in location field 2658. Although thisexemplary embodiment shows location field 2658 as a single field, itwill be appreciated that multiple fields may instead capture the same oradditional information (e.g. fields for city and state; city, state, andzip code; city, province, and country; etc.). A date of birth may bespecified in date of birth field 2660. Although this exemplaryembodiment shows date of birth field 2660 as three fields, it will beappreciated that a single field or multiple fields in a different ordermay instead capture the same or additional information (e.g. one fieldfor month, date, and year; month and year only; month, date, and year;etc.).

A user may enter personal or other information in free-form biographyfield 2662. Additionally, a user may specify a signature line or tagline in forum signature field 2662. Preferably, the system wouldautomatically append the contents of forum signature field 2662 tousers' posts to groups and/or forums. A user may upload a picture oricon by entering a file location in picture field 2666. Preferably, thispicture would be displayed on login and/or when a user posts a messageto a group or forum.

In an embodiment, required fields may be, for example, marked with anasterisk (*), highlighted, or otherwise designated. In otherembodiments, a user may additionally store purchase information, suchas, for example, credit card information, billing and shippingaddresses, etc. This information could be used, for example, if usersdecide to order or download songs, albums, or other merchandise, toautomatically debit an account so that users could “play now and paylater” while using jukeboxes in bars and/or clubs, etc.

Playlist manager button 2668 provides quick access to the playlistmanager form, discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG.26D. Collapse and expand buttons 2670 allow a user to quickly change theplaylist information showing on the far left of the display in thisexemplary embodiment. Recommendations 2672 preferably are generated inthe manner described above, and clicking one or more recommendationpreferably allows a user to associate them with their own playlistsquickly and easily.

FIG. 26D is an exemplary screen shot showing how a user might manageplaylists. In this exemplary embodiment, a user's custom playlists aredisplayed horizontally (as playlist labels 2674), and their respectivecontents are displayed underneath the appropriate headings (as playlistcontents 2676). It will be appreciated, of course, that alternatearrangements are possible. Preferably, each playlist has a uniquedescription associated therewith, and each entry in the playlistdisplays the number of the song in the playlist, the name of the song,and the artist. Users preferably may edit playlists by “dragging” and“dropping” songs into and/or out of a playlist. Users may use the searchfunction to add a specific song. In some embodiments, removing all ofthe songs from a given playlist cause the user to be notified that theplaylist is empty, and asks the user whether the playlist should bedeleted.

A user may create a new playlist by pressing create new playlist button2678. Preferably, the user will be prompted to enter a unique name forthe new playlist. Then the user may edit the playlist in theabove-described manner. Users also may share playlists by pressingsharing button 2680. Sharing button 2680 allows users to designate theirplaylists as public to allow other users to retrieve their contents,preferably allowing users to drag and drop selected playlists intocategories, such as, for example, public, private, etc. Correspondingly,users may search for playlists created by other users, prepared by DJs,etc. and then copy and/or import the playlist. Users may deleteplaylists by pressing delete playlist button 2682 to display list ofplaylists 2684 and then selecting the playlist to delete from the listof playlists 2684.

FIG. 26E is an exemplary screen shot showing the results of anillustrative search for music. In this exemplary embodiment, ahypothetical user searched for “portis*”, where the asterisk (*)indicates a wildcard. Preferably, search results will be grouped byartist (artist list 2686), track/song (track/song list 2688), and/oralbum (album list 2690). Preferably, each result within a grouping mayhave a rank 2692 associated therewith. This rank may be based on, forexample, the number of users with the artist/track/album in a playlist,the current position on the Billboard (or other) charts, all-time sales,etc. Additionally, in an embodiment, users may be able to sort theresults within a category alphabetically or by rank to facilitate thelocation of a specific result. Because users' attention spans are finiteand because of space limitations, the output of the search preferablywill be limited to a few (preferably at least five and preferably nomore than ten) results, while more button 2694 will allow the user tobrowse an expanded list.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary system for downloading music to a mobiledevice. A user indicates via mobile device 2702 that the user isinterested in downloading a song or songs after logging into jukebox2703. It will be appreciated that many types of mobile devices 2702 maycommunicate with jukebox 2703 over many different communicationsnetworks. For example, an appropriately configured cell phone maycommunicate over the data channel of a cell network, a PDA maycommunicate over standard TCP/IP, etc. Jukebox 2703 communicates over anetwork 2704 to interface with music repository 2706. Preferably, musicrepository 2706 will contain a broad range of potential downloads. Forsome requests, it may be necessary to confirm the download if, forexample, there are multiple possible version of a song (e.g. VanMorrison and Jimmy Buffett both have versions of “Brown Eyed Girl,”etc.), or for confirmation purposes. After music repository 2706receives a request, it will select the appropriate song (or songs) andsend it back through network 2704 to mobile device 2702.

Although not reflected in FIG. 27, alternate embodiments may send anappropriate song to another designated device. For example, a user at abar might hear a song and want it to be sent to his home computer. Usersin a car might want the song to be available the next time they visit aparticular bar, and thus, for example, the song may be downloaded to aremote jukebox. In some exemplary embodiments, appropriate song 2708 maybe sent through a different communications network, as appropriate.

Users may be billed according to billing information they inputted. Forexample, a stored credit card may be charged whenever a song isdownloaded via the jukebox interface. As another example, a user maysetup a special jukebox-specific account, linked to, for example, aPay-Pal account. In a related aspect, users may use their cell phones(or other suitable portable devices) to purchase media, register withthe jukebox, etc. by exchanging codes (e.g. via SMS messages) with thejukebox. For example, a user may first identify himself or herself withthe jukebox (e.g. may login on the jukebox or remotely through a mobiledevice). Depending on whether the user's cell phone number (or e-mailaddress, etc., depending on the implementation), the user may have toenter the appropriate information. An SMS (or appropriately similar)authorization message and/or code may be sent to the user. The user maythen enter that code on the jukebox to begin purchasing music, creatingpersonalized content, accessing features available to recognized users,etc. This method of communication also may in some example embodimentsenable users to pre-verify and/or pre-pay for music purchases remotely.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for retrievingmusic. A user might hear a song being played, for example, at a bar, ina club, on the radio, etc., as in step S2802. A user typically decidesto purchase a song in step S2804 after hearing it. However, it will beappreciated that a user might choose to download a song without hearingit because, for example, the user's friends recommended it, the userdownloads all of the songs by a particular artist, etc.

Using a mobile device, the user logs into the jukebox system in stepS2806 and selects the song to purchase in step S2808. The use of amobile device allows for quick and convenient “impulse” purchases. Insome embodiments, the choice of what song to purchase might beautomated, for example, by selecting the song currently playing at agiven location, the song currently playing on a certain radio station,the song just played at a given location, etc. The user may specifypurchase parameters in step S2810, such as, for example, how to pay forthe song, the device to which it should be downloaded, etc. In stepS2812, the song is delivered to the user via the jukebox interface. Itwill be appreciated that the song may be delivered to other devices,such as, for example, a particular jukebox, a portable media device, alaptop, a home computer, etc.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices accessing a jukebox from within a particularlocation. A jukebox 16 is located within a particular location, bar, orthe like. Users may access jukebox 16 through user interface 24 runningthereon. However, users also may access jukebox 16 remotely. Thus, aplurality of mobile devices 26 a-26 d are shown located in theparticular location. Mobile devices 26 a-26 d are, respectively, alaptop, a PDA, a cell phone, and other personal devices, though it willbe appreciated that other properly configured devices may be used. Eachmobile device 26 a-26 d is equipped with a wireless transmitter 27 a-27d, respectively. Mobile devices 26 a-26 d preferably allow registeredusers to effectively logon to jukebox devices and access specificcontent, such as, for example, customized playlists, personalizedscreens, messages from other recognized users, etc. Preferably, a changemade by one of the mobile devices 26 a-26 d (e.g. to user settings,playlist setup, etc.) will be reflected by all of the mobile devices 26a-26 d. For example, if a user creates a new playlist, edits an existingplaylist, changes a password, etc. on a jukebox via user interface 24,user interfaces 24 a-24 f will reflect that change.

Mobile devices 26 a-26 d may communicate through an external network tocommunicate with jukebox 16 having communicator 25. It will beappreciated that mobile devices 26 a-26 d may communicate over a LAN,wireless Internet, Bluetooth, or any other suitable communicationsnetwork.

Preferably a central database of recognized user information ismaintained and accessible by each of the jukebox devices 16, 16 a-f andremote devices 26 a-d. However, in some exemplary embodiments, localdatabases of recognized user information may be maintained on devices.Preferably, the devices will communicate with each other through acommunications network, such as, for example, the Internet. However, itwill be appreciated that other communications methods are possible, suchas, for example, through wired communications over a LAN, wirelesscommunications, etc.

FIGS. 29A-29E provide additional, non-limiting exemplary configurationsthat remotely access jukeboxes. It will be appreciated that othervariations on and combinations of these exemplary configurations arepossible and contemplated herein.

FIG. 29A is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices accessing a jukebox from within a particularlocation. In this exemplary embodiment, jukebox 16 and the plurality ofremote devices are located within a particular location. Jukebox 16includes a user interface 24 that allows jukebox users to, for example,make selections, create profiles, edit playlists, etc. Jukebox 16 alsoincludes a wireless communications device 25. Remote devices 26 a-26 bcommunicate with jukebox 16 through their respective wirelesscommunication devices 27 a-c. In this example embodiment, remote devices27 a-c are, respectively, a laptop, a PDA, and a cell phone. It will beappreciated that other remote devices may communicate with jukebox 16.It also will be appreciated that remote devices according to this systemmay operably communicate with jukebox 16 from outside the particularlocation, with the range being determined by the hardware on jukebox 16and remote devices 27 a-c and the protocols over which they communicate.Thus, for example, wireless communications over 802.11g connections mayallow for users to access jukebox 16 from within a location, tablessetup outside the location, and other areas immediately surrounding thearea.

Remote devices 26 a-c allow users to login to jukebox 16 remotely,without having to access jukebox 16 and user interface 24 directly.Thus, a user can, for example, play songs, edit playlists, and performother jukebox-related activities without using user interface 24directly. It will be appreciated that remote devices 27 a-c may havetheir own user interfaces, which may be the same as or different fromuser interface 24. User profile information may be stored locally onjukebox 16, on a remote server (not pictured), or on a remote device 27.Preferably, a change made by a remote device (e.g. to user profileinformation, playlist contents, purchased media, etc.) would be mirroredon jukebox 16, any other associated remote devices, and/or on otherjukeboxes, etc.

FIG. 29B is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with remote devices outside of a particular location accessingthe digital jukebox system. In this exemplary embodiment, jukebox 16with local server 22 and user interface 24 is connected to a network 14.Unlike remote devices 26 a-26 c which connect directly with jukebox 16in FIG. 29A, these remote devices 26 a-26 c also are connected tonetwork 14. Thus, users may login to jukebox 16 over a potentially broadarea. For example, remote devices 26 a-26 c may connect with jukebox 16over LAN, WAN, Internet connection, or the like. User profileinformation may be stored on local server 22. Again, preferably, achange made by a remote device (e.g. to user profile information,playlist contents, purchased media, etc.) would be mirrored on jukebox16, any other associated remote devices, and/or on other jukeboxes, etc.

FIG. 29C is another block diagram of an improved downloading digitaljukebox system with remote devices outside of a particular locationaccessing the digital jukebox system. FIG. 29C is like FIG. 29B, in thata plurality of remote devices 26 a-26 c are connected to jukebox 16 overnetwork 14. However, FIG. 29C includes a database 29 connected tonetwork 14. Database 29 may store, for example, user profileinformation, users' playlist definitions, etc. This configuration may beadvantageous in some exemplary implementations because a plurality ofjukeboxes connected to network 14 may all access the central database 29without contacting individual jukeboxes or individual remote devices,which may not always be available.

FIG. 29D is a block diagram of an improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem with another downloading digital jukebox system outside of aparticular location accessing the first digital jukebox system. In thisexemplary embodiment, a jukebox 16 a with a local server 22 a and a userinterface 24 a are located within a first location, and a jukebox 16 bwith a local server 22 b and a user interface 24 b are located within asecond location. It will be appreciated that the locations may bedifferent rooms within a single bar, two separate establishments, etc.Both jukebox 16 a and jukebox 16 b are connected via network 14. Userprofile information may be stored at one or both of local server 22 aand 22 b. In some exemplary embodiments, if user profile information isstored on only one local server, a user logging-in to one jukeboxpreferably would be able to access information stored on the other localserver. In other exemplary embodiments, if user profile information isstored on both local servers, preferably any changes made on one jukeboxwould be mirrored on the other. In still other exemplary embodiments,user profile information may be retrieved from a first jukebox andstored to a second jukebox only when a user accessed the second jukebox.These configuration are advantageous because they do not distribute userinformation to areas where users do not access their information. Forexample, a user who travels from Washington to Los Angeles on businesswould be able to access that user's particular information created inWashington by logging-in to a jukebox in Los Angeles; however, becausethat hypothetical user has not logged-in to a jukebox in Montreal,jukeboxes there would not necessarily have the user's information storedlocally.

FIG. 29E is another block diagram of an improved downloading digitaljukebox system with another downloading digital jukebox system outsideof a particular location accessing the first digital jukebox system.FIG. 29E is like FIG. 29D, in that a jukebox 16 a is connected to ajukebox 16 b over network 14. However, FIG. 29E includes a database 29connected to network 14. Database 29 may store, for example, userprofile information, users' playlist definitions, etc. Thisconfiguration may be advantageous in some exemplary implementationsbecause a plurality of jukeboxes connected to network 14 may all accessthe central database 29 without contacting individual jukeboxes orindividual remote devices, which may not always be available. It will beappreciated that a plurality of jukeboxes may be attached throughnetwork 14.

FIG. 30 is an exemplary flowchart showing one way in which users maychange their status by becoming “verified users.” In step S3002, apotential user creates a jukebox account to become a registered user. Asdescribed above, the potential user may create the account on a jukeboxat a location, or by remotely accessing a jukebox by, for example, usinga personal computer, laptop, mobile device, etc. It will be appreciatedthat potential users who unexpectedly or spontaneously walk in on aget-together for verified users may wish to become verified usersimmediately and create their account with little or no prior planning.Registered users receive notifications of get-togethers, special events,and the like in step S3004. Such notifications may be sent via e-mail,SMS text message, through a message displayed when a registered userlogs onto a jukebox locally, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments,registered users will be informed of get-togethers only if they meetpredefined qualifications. For example, all registered users living inthe Boroughs of New York may receive a notice of a get-together inManhattan, but a registered user in Des Moines may not. As anotherexample, users who specified they like Metal Music may not receivenotices of Go-Go get-togethers.

After a registered user receives a notification regarding aget-together, the registered user may participate in that event, as instep S3006. This step might involve attending a bar, event, socialevent, or the like. In step S3008, the registered user becomes averified user. This step might require the user to log onto a jukeboxduring the get-together. Alternatively, registered users might receivevouchers, codes, or the like to later enter into a jukebox (locally orremotely) to change their status to verified. In certain otherembodiments, registered users may drop their business cards, sign lists,or otherwise indicate their presence to have their status changed forthem. Thus, In step S3010, a user may have privileges granted, accessrights changed, etc. based on verified status. For example, a verifieduser may be gain access to certain groups/discussion forums for verifiedusers only. Verified users also may, in certain exemplary embodiments,make un-moderated postings. In certain other exemplary embodiments,verified users may be able to access special promotions not available toother users.

One such special promotion may include the ability to send messages(e.g., SMS messages, email messages, picture messages, etc.) toregistered users' mobile phones. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecoupons for one or more free credits may be sent to registered users.The coupon itself may come in many forms. For example, a simple messagemay be provided to show to an authorized person at a location (e.g., abar manager, proprietor, etc.). The coupon may also include a specialvalidation code, for example, to help reduce the chances of free creditsbeing given away erroneously. The validation code could be shown to anauthorized person or could be entered directly into a jukebox. The codecould be validated against a database of codes located on the jukebox orremote from the jukebox. The database could be updated (e.g., thevalidity of the coupon may be revoked so as to prevent further use(s) ofthe same coupon, etc.) after a coupon is read. Alternatively or inaddition, the code may be created according to a self-checkable formatsuch that a database does not need to be consulted (e.g., the codeitself may be encoded with the number of credits and/or additionalinformation according to a predefined format which may or may not bereadily determinable by a casual observer).

The validation code may also include a location code that indicates thatthe coupon is only good for a particular location or group of locations.As an example, a coupon may be provided for plays on all jukeboxes atall locations owned by a single person. Similarly, the validation codemay also include a time expiry code, such as, for example, a number ofdays or an absolute date and/or time in which the recipient of thecoupon must redeem the coupon. For example, the code may be good for usewithin 1 week, only on certain days, etc.

Separate from or in addition to a simple message and/or validation code,the coupon may be provided in the form of a barcode scannable by themanager and/or at the jukebox using appropriate hardware. The couponsmay be delivered, for example, as text messages, through the regularmail, through email, etc. In certain exemplary cases, whether the couponincludes a barcode or in another format, it may be necessary to printout a coupon for redemption at a location, whereas in certain otherexemplary cases it may be possible to merely bring the mobile devicethat has received the coupon.

Thus, certain exemplary embodiments provide systems and/or methods ofdelivering a coupon to a user of a digital downloading jukebox. Avalidation code is created. Associating with the validation code is anumber of free credits for the user. Note that no specific numbernecessarily need be included in the validation code—for example, theexistence of the coupon itself may be good for a predetermined number ofcredits (e.g., 1 credit, 5 credits, 10 credits, etc.). The validationcode is included with the coupon. The validation code is transmitted tothe user.

Included in the validation code may be at least one location where theuser can redeem the coupon and/or a restriction on the time when theuser can redeem the coupon. The validation code may include an encodedalphanumeric sequence and/or a barcode. The coupon feature could also beused for coupons that provide discounts on food, drink and/or otherproducts/services offered by a jukebox establishment.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the validation code may be obtainedfrom the coupon. It may then be determined whether the validation codeis valid. When the validation code is valid, a number of credits is/areprovided to the user in accordance with the number of free creditsassociated with the validation code. The validation code may be obtainedby the jukebox via a barcode scanner, and/or a user may have to inputthe validation code into the jukebox via a user interface provided tothe jukebox. Alternatively or in addition, an authorized user of ajukebox (e.g., a manager, proprietor, etc.) may provide the free creditsto the patron.

Here, as elsewhere, any suitable combination of programmed logiccircuitry (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, and/or any suitablecombination thereof) may enable such functionality. Additionally,instructions for carrying out the same may be stored on any suitablecomputer-readable storage medium.

FIG. 31 is an exemplary flowchart showing how registered users mayreceive credits for referring potential users. In step S3102, a userlogs onto a jukebox (either locally or remotely). In step S3104, usersspecify some contact information for potential future users. It will beappreciated that step S3104 may be accessed when users create newaccounts, when registered users access a form, etc. It also will beappreciated that contact information may be used, as appropriate, tosend, for example, an e-mail, a text message, conventional mail, etc. Instep S3106, invitations are sent to potential future users by thejukebox using the provided contact information. Lastly, in step S3108,referring users may receive credits. In certain example embodiments,credits may be awarded based on the number of users referred. In certainexample embodiments, credits may be awarded based on a formula (e.g. 1credit for every five users referred and/or registered), which mightinclude bonuses (e.g. a bonus may be given when 10, 25, and/or 50referred users become registered users).

FIG. 32 is an exemplary flowchart showing how registered uses mayreceive credits for creating public playlists. In step S3202, a userlogs onto a jukebox, either locally or remotely. In step S3204, a usercreates a public playlist. As described above, a user will associatecertain instances of media with a playlist, preferably giving the entireplaylist a descriptive name. It will be appreciated that users maycreate playlists using any of the methods described above, including,for example, drag-and-drop features, search features, etc. In certainexemplary embodiments, it may be necessary to designate playlists aspublic.

In step 3206, jukebox users may access public playlists and songs aspart of their normal jukebox activities. The jukebox monitors useractivity, especially with respect to the songs and playlists accessed.In certain exemplary embodiments, the jukebox will maintain counts,percentages, and the like related to the songs and playlists accessed.The jukebox will reward users based on the accessions of other users instep S3210. For example, users may be rewarded if their playlist(s)is/are accessed the most of any playlist, is/are accessed above acertain threshold number of times, is/are selected more than otherplaylists in a predefined category, etc. In certain exemplaryembodiments, users may be rewarded based on the contents of theirplaylists. For example, users may be rewarded based on whether theirplaylists contain a predefined number and/or proportion of the mostpopular songs, as determined by the jukebox. It will be appreciated thatusers may be rewarded in any number of ways. For example, one obviousway users may be rewarded is by giving them credits for additional playson the jukebox. Users also may be rewarded by being entered in certainpromotions, giveaways, or the like. More generally, a recognized usermay earn reward points for conducting arbitrary jukebox-relatedactivities (e.g., on an actual jukebox, via a web interface, etc.). Forexample, a recognized user may earn points every time the user logs on,sends a message, shares a playlist, etc. Reward points may be redeemed,for example, to purchase plays on a jukebox. Alternatively, points maybe redeemed for special merchandise to promote the further use of thejukebox by the recognized user.

Optionally, a user may choose an avatar to represent the user on ajukebox and/or in any other jukebox-mediated environment. A user'savatar may be depicted graphically, for example, as a picture, as amoving animation, as a character, or in any other way suitable foridentifying the user. The avatar may or may not bear a physical likenessto the registered user.

In one example, when a person operating a jukebox selects the localplaylists option from a jukebox, the playlists for each registered useron the jukebox may be made available. This example is depicted in FIG.33, which is an exemplary screenshot of a “Local Playlists” screen inwhich registered users are represented by avatars. Next to theregistered users' names, nicknames, or other identifying marks 3302 a-emay be the particular user's avatar 3304 a-e. This may provide furthercustomization and personalization to a jukebox by, for example, showingthe regulars of a bar whom many patrons may know or recognize, encouragecasual jukebox patrons to become more active in creating customplaylists, etc. After the user selects a group of local playlistsassociated with a registered user and represented by an avatar, thatuser's playlists may be displayed. The user operating the jukebox maythen select an individual playlist associated with the user representedby the avatar. Once selected, the contents of the playlist (e.g., one ormore songs) may be displayed, along with the user's avatar, the name ofthe playlist, and the number of plays required for play.

If the playlist, or a portion thereof, is selected for play by the user,a now playing screen may be displayed, as shown in FIG. 34, which is anexemplary screenshot of a “now playing” screen. This screen may displaythe avatar 3304 a, the name of the registered user 3402, the name of theplaylist 3404, etc. Additionally, acting on behalf of the registereduser, a lead-in audio or video may be played to introduce the songs,transition between songs, and/or conclude the playlist. For example, theavatar itself may be animated. When the avatar is a picture, a slideshow may cause the image appear to be animated, or various images may besuperimposed over the mouth to make it appear as if the avatar isspeaking or singing. The same or similar functionality may be madeavailable if the avatar is an animated character. For example, an avatarmay sing and/or dance along with the music (e.g., the avatar mayhead-bang to heavy metal music, line dance with other real or simulatedavatars to country music, etc., as programmed by the registered user oras automatically generated by the jukebox), using, for example, customanimations, inverse kinematics techniques, etc. The and/or otherfeatures may be enabled by any suitable avatar action programmed logiccircuitry (e.g., a processor on or accessible by a jukebox or remotejukebox interface comprising any suitable combination of hardware,software, or the like). In general, the avatar action programmed logiccircuitry may cause the avatar to react to the instance of media,before, during, and/or after it is played.

These and/or similar features may be provided by allowing the registereduser to upload content (e.g., video and/or audio content) to the jukeboxand/or jukebox distribution network. For example, pictures, audio files,movies, and the like may be captured by and/or stored to a singlejukebox and associated with a registered user on that jukebox, or may bestored to a central location so as to be available to multiplejukeboxes.

It will be appreciated that these and/or similar features may beprovided in a networked jukebox environment so that registered users mayhave access to their avatars from anywhere. This may be useful whentraveling, for example, back to a hometown, university, and/or otherplace that the user may visit later, for example. In this way, theavatar may be familiar to other patrons who once knew the registereduser. It also may be helpful to registered users on the go, who wish tobe creative (e.g., to make new friends) or to introduce themselves(e.g., through introductory audio and/or video clips), while also havingaccess to the user's own library of music, etc.

Avatars and media presented by avatars may be forced to comply withlocal filters applied to the jukebox. For example, playlists may befiltered if a location does not permit rap, pre-recorded messages may beedited for explicit language, inappropriate pictures may be altered,etc.

As described above with reference to the MyTouchTunes services, suitablyconfigured jukeboxes may facilitate users' connections with variousvirtual communities, including, for example, communities of interest(e.g., organized around a specific subject), communities of fantasies(e.g., around gaming, creative environments, or the like), and/orcommunities of relationships (e.g., online meeting spaces). Accordingly,the jukeboxes may provide—either directly or through an onlineportal—one or more of electronic mailing lists; online chat rooms;bulletin boards, message boards, discussion groups, Internet forums, orthe like; blogs; instant messaging services; podcasts; text messagingservices; file sharing (e.g., P2P file sharing); multi-user dungeons(MUDs); etc. By connecting with and establishing new jukebox-centeredvirtual communities, it may be possible to attract new patrons anddevelop further interest of existing patrons. Indeed, it may be possibleto realize increased returns in and through the virtual community bygathering information about members (and targeting advertising andtransaction offerings appropriately), drawing vendors to the communityto attract members and promote spending, drawing members to thecommunity and generating member-based content, and/or promotinguser-to-user interactions to build user loyalty to the community.

The above-described avatars may be used connection with ajukebox-mediated virtual community. For example, avatars may beassociated with all actions a user takes within the community (e.g.,writing a blog, posting on a bulletin board, sending a message, etc.).As a further, avatars may become more interesting as users begin tocreate and share their own media. A user may upload music (e.g.,pursuant to a standard license agreement), with the avatar beingvirtually “attached” to or associated with the media. Thejukebox-mediated network could track the distribution of the music towebsites, P2P file sharing engines, and/or jukeboxes. Royalties may betracked and returned to the user through its avatar. Additionally, basedon the type of user, different fees/royalty structures may be provided.For example, for independent artists, a large fee and small royalty maynot be appropriate, whereas an artist associated with a major recordlabel may be more able to bear such direct and indirect costs. Tofacilitate control, music may be checked for copyright compliance, andthis authorization process may be performed automatically (e.g., acomparison to banks of known music, checking for the presence of adigital watermark, etc.) or manually (e.g., by an authorized user,patron, operator, employee of the central distribution network, etc.).When content is posted and/or agreements are ratified, an avatar may bean acceptable form of digital signature attached to a copyright and/orlicense agreement. An avatar also may be displayed as album art, duringthe actual playing of a tagged song, etc.

In addition to the above-described toolkit usable by operators,operators, authorized users, and/or proprietors also may make use of aconfiguration dashboard to administer, manage, update, and/or otherwisecontrol jukeboxes. Indeed, operators managing one or more jukeboxes maysave time and/or money by remotely accessing diagnostic and/ormanagement features provided to the jukebox. In certain exemplaryembodiments, an operator may be able to access a management and/ordiagnostics module of the dashboard using, for example, a computer,handheld device, or other suitable device to receive notificationsand/or to inquire into the status of a jukebox through a proprietary(e.g., web-based) interface. Communications may be bidirectional, thusallowing operators to directly instruct and/or query jukeboxes ofinterest regarding management features and/or alerts and/ornotifications. The features described below may be used alone or invarious combinations to allow operators, authorized users, and/orproprietors to focus on particular jukeboxes in need of attention, thussaving time and money, while also increasing the up-time, reliability,and overall appeal of jukeboxes.

With respect to such features, each jukebox may gather and/or monitorinformation in which an operator would be interested, potentiallyproactively sending this information to the operator. A notificationmechanism may send messages (e.g., via email, SMS, or other suitableformat) to the operator automatically when predetermined thresholds areexceeded. These predetermined thresholds may be set by the operator, maybe preconfigured, etc.

Diagnostics and/alerts may include, for example, the bill rejection rate(e.g., in terms of percentage and/or number), number of bills in thestack, number of reboots, temperature (e.g., hard drive, CPU, system,enclosure, etc.), and the like. Additionally, such alerts/notificationsmay be set to be sent at a predetermined time. For example,notifications may be sent when the CPU temperature exceeds a thresholdfor a specified amount of time, when the number of reboots exceeds athreshold within a specified amount of time, etc.

It will be appreciated that such diagnostic techniques may be madeavailable to operators located remote from a jukebox, as well asdirectly at a jukebox. Furthermore, in certain exemplary embodiments,the diagnostic module of a first jukebox may be used to remotely checkthe diagnostic module of a second jukebox, the second jukebox beinglocated remote from the first jukebox.

FIGS. 35-37 are illustrative screenshots demonstrating how diagnosticalerts may be configured. In particular, FIG. 35 is an exemplaryscreenshot for setting alert preferences. In FIG. 35, an email addressto which alerts may be sent is specified in block 3502. Weekly reportsmay be specified by selecting a day from the dropdown box 3504, anddaily reports similarly may be sent at a time specified by dropdown box3506. The bottom portion of the exemplary screenshot lists the varioustests and the frequency at which emails should be sent. For example, aselection from dropdown box 3508 may specify whether hard disktemperature alerts should be sent never, instantly, daily, or weekly.Other alerts may be sent at the same or different intervals by, forexample, setting dropdown boxes 3510, 3512 (which are partially blockedby the expanded dropdown box 3508). Of course, it will be appreciatedthat other intervals may be specified, other tests may be monitored, andthat other addresses or notification means may be used (e.g., SMSmessages, instant messages, etc.).

FIG. 36 is an exemplary screenshot for setting alert thresholds. Theleft-hand side of FIG. 36 notes the particular statistic to be monitored(e.g., bill reject rate, bill stacker fill rate, number of reboots,etc.), while the right-hand side allows the threshold to be specified.The threshold may be set in terms of an absolute number and/or in termsof a percent, as necessary. It will be appreciated that other tests maybe monitored, and that any suitable threshold may be specified.Additionally, indicating no threshold may be used to avoid causingalerts to be generated for a particular test, as well.

FIG. 37 is an exemplary screenshot showing the status of various tests.In FIG. 37, the left-hand side of the screen lists the particular test,while the right-hand side of the screen indicates its status. The testsoptionally may be categorized for convenience (e.g., temperature, feecollection, software operation, etc.). As shown in FIG. 37, status maybe indicated by a color (e.g., green may signify no problem or operationwithin an acceptable range, yellow may signal some cause for concern,and red may signal the occurrence or imminence of a problem). Of course,other indicators may be used instead of a color-coded scheme (e.g., anumber or percentage system, etc.).

An enhanced scheduling module also may be provided to the jukebox. Thismodule may allow operators and/or other authorized jukebox users toschedule single and/or recurring events. For example, a bar owner mayschedule morphs, music filters, and/or background music. The eventrecurrences may be weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. For example, backgroundmusic may be played during bunch, music filters may be applied duringthe afternoon and early evening, and an unrestricted playlist may bemade available at night. As another example, the jukebox may morphnightly to accommodate an 80 s music night, hip-hop night, country linedancing night, disco night, etc. Such advance setup ultimately may savetime and improve convenience. The events scheduler may include monthlyand/or daily views, with the daily view being broken down, for example,by hours. After a new event is added, the appropriate views may beupdated.

FIG. 38 is an exemplary screenshot of the morphing capabilities beinglinked to the enhanced scheduling module. With respect to morphingcapabilities, a jukebox may be morphed to a predefined master jukebox(e.g., via input area 3802), to a specific jukebox (e.g., a jukeboxpreviously defined by, for example, a proprietor or operator, etc., viainput area 3804), or to a new custom list of music (e.g., via input area3806). In particular, a snapshot may be taken for each morph of thejukebox, with associated data (e.g., date, time, playlist) being storedtherewith. This may facilitate the morph process and also may allowproprietors to “undo” morphs (e.g., when they are less popular, not assuccessful, etc.). A user may then schedule the morph like any otherevent by selecting the “schedule this setting” button 3808.

The “schedule this setting” button 3808 may bring up the calendarscheduling component, just as in any other event scheduling. FIG. 39 isan exemplary screenshot of a scheduling calendar. The schedulingcalendar may have a month-by-month view 3902 as well as a daily view3904. The daily view 3904 may be broken down by the half-hour, hour,etc., and may show any other events schedule for a particular day.

Operators also may setup sub-user accounts, with such sub-users havingrestricted location access.

Other functions may include enhanced location setup features.

As indicated above, it would be desirable to yet further enhancepatrons' experiences, e.g., so as to create a sense of ownership and/orbelongingness to a connected community of entertainment system users.Thus, while the above-described and/or other aspects, features,exemplary embodiments certainly are advantageous and are a markedimprovement over existing jukebox-related offerings, it would bedesirable to further integrate and expand upon the disparate elements ina broader, more holistic entertainment system. For example, it would bedesirable to leverage the widely disseminated, though presentlyunconnected, collection of jukeboxes, jukebox-specific services,advertisement servers, independently operated social networkingservices, and independently controlled client devices, to provide for anexperience that enables cross-connectivity and deep integration amongand between these seemingly disparate systems. In so doing, it would bepossible to more fully and deeply connect entertainment system patronsto one another and to non-patrons, thereby sometimes encouraging theformer group to use the components in the entertainment system more andmore and sometimes encouraging the latter group to begin to use thecomponents in the entertainment system.

To this end, certain exemplary embodiments relate to an entertainmentsystem (which may be provided in an out-of-home location) that isconfigured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediatedservices that are accessible from within and/or from the outside of thelocation, while coordinating social networking services among and/orbetween patrons within and outside of the location and also providingfor advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, theentertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connectedto a jukebox. Furthermore, the entertainment system within a locationmay be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays,one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certainexemplary embodiments.

Thus, certain exemplary embodiments relate to systems and/or methods forintegrating and extending portable entertainment systems, jukebox musicsystems, video systems, and client devices via an entertainment server.An entertainment server according to certain exemplary embodimentsevolves and integrates jukeboxes, game devices, and client devices, toprovide various (e.g., out-of-home) entertainment, social, andmerchandising services. As will be explained in greater detail below,the entertainment server in a location is controllable from a mobiledevice so as to play content such as music, games, and/or videos on ajukebox, display, or other device located within the location, or on thedevice itself. The entertainment server in the location also may becontrollable from the mobile device so as to perform these and/or otherfunctions on a jukebox, display, or other device at one or moredifferent locations. Furthermore, the entertainment server in a locationmay be used by a patron so that the patron can interact with otherpatrons or non-patrons the actual premises, by sending messages tosocial communities that are relayed through the entertainment server.Still further, the entertainment server in a location may be used by apatron to interact with users in the location, by sending messages to bedisplayed on a display, wall, screen, or the like.

In addition to the control and messaging features briefly outlinedabove, as will be explained in greater detail below, the entertainmentserver in the location also may be used as a part of an advertisingplatform comprising the network of local devices and a backend system,enabling advertising (e.g., regional, national, or even highlycontextual advertising) on the jukebox and/or on any second screenconnected to the entertainment server. Furthermore, goods and/orservices may be purchased through the entertainment server (whether as aresult of or independent from the advertising). For example, goodsand/or services may be purchased from a patron's mobile device, withthat purchase being mediated by local equipment. On-premises equipmentthat is connected to the entertainment server and thus a part of thebroader entertainment system may be used to transfer content directly orindirectly to the purchasing mobile device. Indeed, an in-locationserver, such as a web server, may provide services to the mobile device,directly or indirectly. Although some goods or services may be providedon a pay-per-play or one-time fee basis, on-premises equipment that isconnected to the entertainment server and a part of the broaderentertainment system may be used to push free, promotional, advertising,solicited, unsolicited, and/or other content directly or indirectly to amobile device.

FIG. 40A shows the major components in an entertainment system accordingto an exemplary embodiment. An entertainment server 4002 is locatedwithin a particular location 4000. The entertainment server 4002 of FIG.40A is shown “with” a jukebox. In certain exemplary embodiments, theentertainment server 4002 may be provided within the housing of ajukebox. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment server 4002may be executed on the same as, or on a different computer than, thejukebox. Although a stylized jukebox is shown in FIG. 40A, anentertainment server 4002 may be provided in connection with a jukeboxmusic systems such as, for example, a stand-alone jukebox, a wall-mountjukebox, a remote terminal, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 40A, one ormore of the above jukebox music systems may be provided in addition tothe entertainment server 4002.

A wide variety of peripheral devices may be connected to theentertainment server 4002. For example, any number of displays 4004 maybe provided. Such displays 4004 may include video systems such as, forexample, overhead displays, plasma or LCD televisions, LEDs,advertisement displays, leader boards, IP TVs, network addressabledisplays, etc. Counter top and/or handheld devices 4006 that belongto/in the specific location also may be connected to the entertainmentserver 4002. A broad range of client devices 4008 also may be connectedto the entertainment server 4002. Client devices may include anycombination of WiFi devices, 3G devices, Bluetooth devices, etc., suchas, for example, mobile phones (iPhones, Blackberries, etc.), PDAs,laptops, and/or the like. Each of these components may be connected tothe entertainment server 4002 via wired or wireless connections.

Similar to the exemplary embodiments described above, the entertainmentserver with jukebox 4002 may be connected to an entertainment systemnetwork 4010. As described in detail above, such a connection betweenthe entertainment server with jukebox 4002 and the entertainment systemnetwork 4010 may be advantageous in terms of media distribution, royaltyand/or revenue accounting, device updates, demographic data gathering,advertisement distributions, etc. Indeed, the entertainment systemnetwork 4010 may include a media database 4012 that includes instancesof media for playback on the jukebox, on a display 4004, on a countertop or handheld device 4006, and/or on a client device 4008. Suchinstances of media may be pay-per-play songs, advertising content,downloadable or network games, etc.

The entertainment system network 4010 also may include interfaces to theMyTouchTunes jukebox-related services and/or an external socialnetworking system. That is, the entertainment system network 4010 mayinclude a MyTouchTunes interface 4014 that enables a user to performsome or all of the above-described and/or other functions such as, forexample, creating, maintaining, updating, and/or deleting a playlist;contacting friends; maintaining jukebox logins with optionalcustomizable avatars; etc. The entertainment system network 4010 alsomay include a social networking system interface 4016 that links to oneor more external social networking systems 4018. For example, the socialnetworking system interface 4016 may link to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace,and/or other social networking sites. Further details of this connectionand the functionality enabled by it are provided below.

Similar to as described above, end-user computers 4020 and/or clientdevices 4022 external from the location may connect to the entertainmentsystem network 4010 via the MyTouchTunes interface 4014. The end-usercomputers 4020 and/or client devices 4022 external from the locationalso may connect to the social networking system 4018. It will beappreciated that the client devices 4008 within the location 4000 mayconnect to the entertainment system network 4014 through theentertainment server 4002 or more directly via the MyTouchTunesinterface 4014. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the clientdevices 4008 within the location 4000 may connect to the socialnetworking system 4018 through the entertainment server 4002 or moredirectly via a connection with the social networking system 4018 itself.

As alluded to above, MyTouchTunes related services may be made availableto users via social networking sites. That is, although a socialnetworking system 4018 may not be able to communicate directly with theMyTouchTunes related services and/or the entertainment system network4010, as indicated above, a social networking system interface 4016 maybe provided to the entertainment system network 4010. The socialnetworking system 4018 itself may be configured to connect to thissocial networking system interface 4016 which, in turn, may beconfigured to “translate” or mediate data communications between theMyTouchTunes related services and the social networking system 4018.Once such a link is provided, entertainment server 4002 users may beable to seamlessly connect to social networking sites, and vice versa,thus promoting a more integrated and cohesive product.

FIG. 40B shows the physical architecture of an entertainment systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 40B, a location4100 includes a local content server 4102. The local content serverincludes a server with a network connection, a display for monitoringthe server, a storage location, and a wired computer device. The wiredcomputer device is provided for controlling the local content server,managing the storage location, configuring or reconfiguring thein-location network and/or the external connection, administering thelocation-based services (such as advertising and/or other services,etc.), and/or the like. A wireless router 4104 is connected to the localcontent server 4102. The wireless router 4104 connects the displays 4110a-c through respective set-top boxes 4112 a-c to the in-locationnetwork, along with WiFi devices (such as laptops or handhelds, iPodTouches, PDAs, Sony PSPs, Nintendo DSs, certain mobile devices, etc.).The wireless router 4104 also provides a connection to the Internet4114. Wireless phones 4106 (e.g., smart phones, web-enabled phones,and/or the like) may be present in the location and may connect to thenetwork using the wireless router 4104 if they are suitably configured,or via a 3G, Bluetooth, or other suitable connection. The Internet 4114is connected to social networks 4118 (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, MySpace,etc.), along with the jukebox-related media servers 4116, the latter ofwhich may also provide for MyTouchTunes related services.

FIG. 40C shows the logical architecture of an entertainment systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 40C, the localserver includes a web server, which is connected to an applicationserver. Both the web server and the application server may be connectedto content (such as, for example, audio, video, web pages, and/or thelike). The web server, along with an IP TV server, may be connected tocontent metadata server.

The local server 4200 may be connected to other components in thesystem, e.g., over a TCP/IP connection. For example, the local server4200 may be connected to the Internet 4202. The Internet 4202, in turn,provides a connection to social network servers 4204. The Internet 4202also may provide a connection to the 3G network 4210, e.g., via a 3Gpacket switch server 4206 and a 3G radio network server 4208.

Wireless and/or wired devices 4212 (which may include web browsers) alsomay be connected to the local server 4200 via the TCP/IP connection.Similarly, digital signage set-top boxes 4216 (which may include webbrowsers, flash players, video/audio players, 2D/3D displayapplications, etc.) also may be connected to the local server 4200 viathe TCP/IP connection. Web-enabled phones and/or other devices 4214(which also may include web browsers) may be connected to the localserver 4200 via a WiFi or other wireless connection (e.g., 3G,Bluetooth, etc.).

Social networking sites provide rich and popular features to a widerange of users. Linking jukeboxes to these sites and systems thus wouldbe desirable from the perspective of jukebox owners/operators because ofthe potential increased exposure of the services and advertising, aswell as the potential increased usage of the overall network. In otherwords, more advertising impressions can be made to social networkingusers, and media and/or other products and services could be soldthrough a further outlet, namely, the social networking system. Linkingsocial networking sites to jukeboxes also would be desirable from theperspective of social networking site operators or moderators for manyof the same reasons. Indeed, usage and advertising exposure could beincreased since more and different kinds of devices could be used toaccess the sites from more and different locations, e.g., when jukeboxesare made to function as connectivity “hotspots” as described below.

Example functionality of the MyTouchtunes services is provided above,and a detailed description will not be repeated again. However, it isbriefly worth noting that some or all of the following MyTouchTunesservices or features may be made available via a social networking siteleveraging the overall entertainment system architecture of certainexemplary embodiments: [0315] Adding media to a library: A user maydownload media to a “personal” library located on a particular device.Alternatively or in addition, a user may “download” media to a centrallyaccessible storage location, wherein such a “download” may involvecopying or merely providing access across a plurality of locations fromthe central media database 4012. Similarly, a user may upload media to a“personal” library located on a particular device. Alternatively or inaddition, a user may “upload” media to a centrally accessible storagelocation such as the media database 4012. The uploaded media may be madeavailable to other users or may be kept private. [0316] Sharing mediawith friends: A user may share media with friends in much the same wayas indicated above. That is, a user may upload media to a “personal”library located on a particular device. Alternatively or in addition, auser may “upload” media to a centrally accessible storage location suchas the media database 4012. The uploaded media may be made available toall other users, a restricted set of users, or may be kept private.[0317] Updating/maintaining playlists: A user may update and/or maintainindividual or shared playlists. Alternative or in addition, a user mayupdate and/or maintain a collaborative playlist with friends. [0318]Searching for an Artist, Album, Song, Themes, Genre, Playlists, orOther: A user may search the central media database 4012, or may searchprivate collections using some or all of the above and/or other searchcriteria. [0319] Listening to a song or a song sample: A user may listento a song or a song sample from the central media database 4012 or fromprivate collections. [0320] Tracking visited locations: A user mayreceive information pertaining to the locations the user has visited.Such information may include, for example, names of locations, addressesof locations, directions to/from locations, relevant promotions atlocations, information about locations, statistics about visits (e.g.,how many times visited, length of time visited, songs played, friendsmade, etc.), and/or the like. [0321] Messaging with/among friends: Auser may message friends such that messages are shared on some or all ofthe following channels: the social networking site, a jukebox, anoverhead display in a location, email, SMS messages, picture messages,etc. Thus, the messages may be private or public, and they may be sentto one or more recipients. The messages may be sent immediately, with adelay, or upon the occurrence of a specified event (e.g., birthday,special event, particular song selection, etc.). [0322] Maintaining anoverall account for the social networking site and/or the MyTouchTunesfeatures and services: A user may update personal and/or logininformation, billing information, contact information, etc. [0323]Programming events: A user may send invitations for an event, trackRSVPs for the event, control morphing of a jukebox or other suitablyconfigured playback device at a location for the event, etc. [0324]Linking playlists to events: Similar to the above, a user may specify aparticular playlist for an event.

As can be seen, a number of features can be accessed and/or manipulatedthrough the social networking site. One benefit is that users may useeither or both of their social networking contacts and MyTouchTunescontacts in connection with these and/or other features. Thus, if a useris present on one but not both, a potentially broader audience can bereached. Additionally, a user can reach this potentially broaderaudience using a comfortable and familiar system for all those involved.This functionality also enables users who otherwise would not use theMyTouchTunes specific interface to use a non-jukebox related interfaceto have real impacts on the rest of the integrated entertainment system.

Another feature of certain exemplary embodiments involves theentertainment server 4002 acting as a gateway for client devices 4008.That is, the entertainment server 4002 may allow the client devices 4008to access the entertainment system network 4010, the social networkingsystem 4018, and/or other networks (such as the Internet) in certainexemplary embodiments. Thus, entertainment server 4002 may providewebsite access to client devices 4008 by serving as a “hotspot” for WiFidevices, Bluetooth devices, 3G devices, etc., within or in proximity toa location. For example, a limited or unrestricted WiFi network may beprovided by the entertainment server 4002, in which the jukebox acts asa hotspot or web-server for WiFi-enabled devices. This service may beprovided at a cost, for free, free for registered users, free for usersaccepting advertisements, free for users who purchase a certain numberof songs, etc. In a 3G cellular network example, a unique ID (i.e., ajukebox ID) may allow a user to identify which jukebox the user isinteracting with.

In general, the content selection and purchasing or selecting from amobile device is enabled using this approach. However, contrary toexisting contrary to existing applications where music is played onplayback device itself (e.g., an iPhone, iPod Touch, laptop, etc.), theweb-selection techniques of certain exemplary embodiments also allow forpay-per-play on a separate device (for example, in a commercialestablishment), e.g., such that playback device essentially becomes aremote control for a jukebox. In other words, in certain exemplaryembodiments, a user controlled client device, which often is a playbackdevice itself, becomes an entry point to the overall entertainmentsystem—as well as the potentially separate social networking system.

FIGS. 41A-41D are exemplary screenshots of a client device logging intothe entertainment server in accordance with an example embodiment. Thelogin techniques shown in and described in connection with FIGS. 41A-41Dcan be used for WiFi logins and/or logins to other systems. FIG. 41Ashows a page that is displayed to a user when the user opens a mobileweb browser on the client device and/or navigates to an appropriatepage. A user can use the “Super Search” feature by pressing button 4101without being logged in and thus may be able to search for songs incertain exemplary embodiments. However, a user may not be able toactually play a song without being logged in. In any event, pressing thelogin button 4103 in FIG. 41A may bring the user to the exemplary loginscreen shown in FIG. 41B. In FIG. 41B, a username field 4105 and apassword field 4107 is provided. The user may enter the username andpasswords as shown in FIG. 41C and then press login button 4109 toattempt to login. It is noted that the password is hidden on the displayfor protection. Once the user is logged in, as shown in FIG. 41D, awelcome message 4111 that may identify the user by the user's usernameis provided. The welcome message 4111 is followed by the MyTouchTunesmenus. In particular, a user can search for a song using the button 4113and/or access playlists 4115. The number of credits may be displayed tothe user in available credit area 4117. The user may logout at any timeby pressing the logout button.

It will be appreciated that these features may work just as they wouldif displayed on an actual jukebox. It also will be appreciated that anyor all of the above-described and/or other functionality availablethrough the jukebox itself, MyTouchTunes portal, and/or any connectedsocial networking sites, may be made accessible through the clientdevice. It is noted that the interfaces for each function may vary,e.g., depending on the device being used to access them. What issuitable for a home computer having a large display might not besuitable for a mobile phone with a very small display. Similarly,content appropriate for bars may not be appropriate for all home users.To explain some of the differences, exemplary screenshots of several ofthese features for client devices are provided below for explanatorypurposes. The exemplary screenshots for the client devices can becontrasted with the exemplary screenshots provided above, e.g., inconnection with home computer use and/or on-jukebox use. Of course, itwill be appreciated that all such screenshots are provided by way ofexample and without limitation.

FIGS. 42A-42B are example screenshots showing how a user may login to awireless network. In brief, the local network 4201 may appear in thelist of detected networks when the user is within range. Selecting thisoption will connect the user. It will be appreciated that a password maybe required, and that password may be supplied by the location, may betied to the user's account, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, nousername or password may be necessary, as the entertainment server maybe configured to recognize the user from a unique characteristic of theclient device being used to login. For example, the entertainment servermay be configured to recognize the user from a telephone number of themobile device, a pre-stored cookie or other data packet stored therein,etc.

Credits may be transferred to a client device in certain exemplaryembodiments. Specific transfer use cases are described in detail below.However, in general, a payment is received by a first payment receivingmeans (e.g., coin or bill collector, credit card authorization form,etc.), such as a jukebox, handheld game device, location staff, point ofsale system, or web service. The first payment receiving means receivesthe payment and holds the payment in trust. As a second step, thepayment is transferred to the user. This may be done by transferring anindication as to the number of credits to one or more of (1) a mobiledevice, such as a cell-phone, smart phone, media players, handheldgaming device (PSP, Nintendo DS) or other portable computer or PDA orweb-enabled devices, (2) a user account uniquely identifying a customer,such as a MyTouchTunes login or other unique identifier, or (3) directlyto a on-premises equipment for immediate consumption. The representationof the payment may be encrypted and/or otherwise protected so as toreduce the likelihood of unauthorized tampering with the amount. Moreparticularly, any or all of the payment methods may be made available tousers so as to facilitate the collection of payment by locations: [0332]Payment may be accepted from on-premises equipment and transferred to auser account or mobile device, [0333] Payment may be accepted from a website and transferred to a user account or mobile device, [0334] Paymentmay be accepted from an SMS payment service and transferred to a useraccount or mobile device, [0335] Payment may be accepted from a couponand transferred to a user account or mobile device, [0336] Payment maybe previously accepted from a user account or mobile device andtransferred to a second user account or second mobile device, [0337]Payment may be accepted by location staff members and transferred to auser account, mobile device, or directly to on-premises equipment,and/or

Payment may be assigned to a customer invoice such as through apoint-of-sale integration, or otherwise furthermore processed, andtransferred to a user account, mobile device or directly to on-premisesequipment.

The above-described example techniques can be provided in variouscombinations and sub-combinations in certain exemplary embodiments sothat they are suitable for receiving payment. For example, in a firstexemplary embodiment, a user goes to a jukebox, inserts payment, selectsa transfer button on the mobile device and/or on the jukebox, and entersa confirmation code on jukebox and/or the device to transfer credits. Ina second exemplary embodiment, a user may authorize automatic deductionsfrom a registered account, e.g., a pre-authorized credit card, debitcard, or other payment instrument. In a third exemplary embodiment,credits may be purchased or redeemed on the mobile device by entering acoupon code previously purchased or awarded, for example, at thelocation, on the web or social networking site, as a promotion, etc.With respect to this last example, promotional credits or monetary valuemay be transferred to a user account or mobile device by allowingcoupons IDs to be entered on one of the access points to theentertainment system, or automatically assigning promotional credits ormonetary value upon a qualifying event. A qualifying event may include,for example, the detection of a new mobile device in the location, a newuser subscription or sign-up to the MyTouchTunes services and/or thesocial networking site, a special programmed event (e.g., get 2 freeplays on St. Patrick's Day, get 5 free plays on a typically slow night,etc.), a patron becoming a frequent user of the jukebox or otherassociated systems (e.g., playing more than a predetermined number ofsongs within a particular time period or all-time, purchasing a certainamount of drinks or other goods and services, logging a certain numberof hours on the social networking site, etc.), and/or othercircumstances. Flowcharts explaining these and/or other exampletechniques are provided below.

FIGS. 43A-43D are illustrative flowcharts showing exemplary processesfor receiving payment from a user in accordance with exemplaryembodiments. The flowcharts include exemplary screenshots from theclient devices and/or jukeboxes, as appropriate. Of course, both theprocess and the screenshots are provided by way of example and withoutlimitation. In any event, FIG. 43A shows a first credit transfer flow inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. In step S4302, a user pressesthe “add credits” button from the user's personal or mobile device. Thenumber of credits may be displayed on the device for the user'sreference. In step S4304, an instructional message is displayed on thedevice. The instruction message provides easy-to-follow steps that theuser may or must take to transfer credits to the device. Again, thenumber of credits may be displayed on the device for the user'sreference. A user provides payment to a networked device with a suitablepayment acceptor such as, for example, a jukebox, in step S4306. Thenetworked device then displays or sends a message to another display ordevice (e.g., a display connected thereto or the device itself) thatconfirms payment was received in step S4308. The user then presses abutton on the initiating device in step S4310 to begin the paymentconfirmation and verification process. The networked device into whichthe payment was deposited (in this case, the jukebox) then displays amessage containing an activation code in step S4312. The activation codemay be a simply alphanumeric code. The alphanumeric code may be randomlygenerated, created according to some predefined rules, have embeddedtherein error checking codes, etc. After the message is displayed, theuser may type it into the initiating device in a suitable entry field instep S4314. In the event that the transfer code is not displayed on thedevice, the user may indicate the same on the device, in which caselocation staff may assist the user, the money may be refunded, aninstruction to display or re-display the activation code may be sent tothe appropriate device, or some other action may be taken. In any case,once the code is typed in, the transfer credits button is pressed instep S4316. The code is then verified in step S4318. If it is valid,credits are transferred from the payment device to the initiatingdevice. If it is not valid, the user may be apprised of the failure. Thenumber of credits transferred and the updated number of credits may bedisplayed for the user.

FIG. 43B is an exemplary payment device initiated credit transfer inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. A user inserts money into thejukebox or other networked payment device in step S4320. A message isdisplayed on the jukebox or other networked payment device in stepS4322, offering the user a choice as to whether to transfer credits to adevice and/or consume the credits on the jukebox or networked paymentdevice itself. A user presses a button to initiate a credit transfertransaction in step S4324 which, in the FIG. 43B example, involvestransferring funds to a mobile device. Instructions are displayed on thejukebox or networked payment device in step S4326. In the FIG. 43Bexample, the instructions tell the user to press the add credits buttonon the mobile device. The user does this in step S4328, and then entersthe given code on the mobile device in step S4330. The transfer creditsbutton is pressed in step S4332. As above, the code is then verified instep S4334. If it is valid, credits are transferred from the paymentdevice to the mobile device. If it is not valid, the user may beapprised of the failure. The number of credits transferred and theupdated number of credits may be displayed for the user.

FIG. 43C is another credit transfer example in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In step S4336, a user presses a button to initiatea payment transaction from a payment device and/or a jukebox or othernetworked device. In step S4338, the user is instructed to insert moneyand/or to swipe a credit card, and/or enter a redemption code. In theFIG. 43C example, a user provides a payment to the jukebox or thenetworked device in step S4340. Instructions are displayed on thejukebox or networked payment device in step S4342. In the FIG. 43Cexample, the instructions tell the user to press the add credits buttonon the mobile device. The user does this in step S4344, and then entersthe given code on the mobile device in step S4346. The transfer creditsbutton is pressed in step S4348. As above, the code is then verified instep S4350. If it is valid, credits are transferred from the paymentdevice to the mobile device. If it is not valid, the user may beapprised of the failure. The number of credits transferred and theupdated number of credits may be displayed for the user.

FIG. 43D is yet another credit transfer example in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In the FIG. 43D example, credits are transferredwhen a coupon is redeemed on a mobile device. In step S4352, from apersonal or mobile device, a user presses a “redeem coupon” button. Theuser inputs a redemption code and/or a coupon code and/or inputs orscans a barcode value in step S4354. The user then presses a “redeemcode” button in step S4356. The validity of the code and/or relativevalue units and/or amount of the code is verified, e.g., against adatabase of acceptable codes in step S4360. If and/or when the code isdetermined to be valid, an approval is sent to the mobile device, andthe concerned code is flagged as used or unavailable in, and/or isdeleted from, the coupon verification database. Upon reception of theapproval from the verification data in step S4362, credits and/orequivalent value units and/or amounts are made available to the device.

In certain exemplary embodiments, in the credit transfer scenariosabove, a user optionally may designate a certain number of credits foruse on the mobile device and a certain number of credits for use on thejukebox or networked device. Additionally, in certain exemplaryembodiments, in the credit transfer scenarios above, a user optionallymay authorize a credit card, debit card, or other account or paymentinstrument to be charged automatically, e.g., with every play, in theevent that the user has used all of the available credits.

As indicated above, client devices may be used to control the overallentertainment system and/or access features of the MyTouchTunesservices, social networking site, etc. FIGS. 44A-44F are exemplaryscreenshots that illustrate searching for, selecting, and playing musicon a jukebox using an interface provided to a client device inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 44A is an example “mainpage” from which a user may control and/or otherwise interact with theentertainment system, the MyTouchTunes services, and/or the socialnetworking site. In this regard, the user can initiate a search using“Super Search” button 4402, edit playlists using “myPlaylists” button4404, or add credits via button 4406. Area 4408 provides an indicationas to the number of credits the user has available.

Once the user initiates a search, the user may select a particularsearch methodology. Thus, the display in FIG. 44B enables a user tosearch by artist by pressing button 4410, album by pressing button 4412,or song title by pressing button 4414. Once a user makes a selection asto the search methodology, a search screen similar to that shown in FIG.44C may be displayed. In the FIG. 44C example, the user may enter a songname in entry field 4416 using virtual keyboard 4420. When searching, an“auto-complete” feature may fill in potential search results while theuser is typing in the search criteria. The results of the search may bedisplayed in results area 4418. The list may be updated as the usertypes or after the user has indicated that the textual entry iscompleted.

FIG. 44D shows the results for an illustrative search for the song“Hotel.” Song titles, artists, albums, album art, and/or otherinformation may be displayed in the expanded results area 4418. Once theuser has made a selection from one of the search results shown in theexpanded results area 4418, the song details may be displayed in ascreen similar to the illustrative example of FIG. 44E. Details of thesong selection such as, for example, those described above and/or otherdetails, are displayed in an information area 4420. The number ofcredits may be displayed for the user's convenience in deciding whetherto play the song. The user may add the song to the queue using playbutton 4422 or, for a premium, the user may move the song up in thequeue using the play now button 4424. Details of the queuing areprovided above, and a repetition o the same will not be repeated herein.Once the play button 4422 or the play now button 4424 has been pressed,the song is queued for play, as appropriate, assuming the user hassufficient credits. The user may be returned to the “main screen.”However, a confirmation message may appear in status area 4426indicating, in this case, a successful queuing of the message.

It will be appreciated that other features of the MyTouchTunes services,jukebox-related services, and/or social networking services, may beaccessed in these and/or similar ways. It also will be appreciated thatsimplified and/or “lite” interfaces may be provided, depending on thedevice being used to access and/or control the system. These liteinterfaces also may be used to extend order goods and/or services withinor related to the location, content, etc. For example, certain exemplaryembodiments may be used to purchase or rent content (e.g., songs orother media); modify the system state, e.g., by modifying the play queueorder (by paying a premium to play a song out of order), voting formusic to be played next, voting for the best staff, etc.; buymerchandise (e.g., specific to the location, the artist of the songbeing played, etc.); buy location goods and services such as ordering ameal or drink; order a taxi ride; or purchase other goods or services.

In certain situations, it may be desirable to keep track of the eventsthat are taking place at a location. This information, along withcertain other content, may be of interest to patrons at the location,patrons on their way to or considering whether to visit a particularlocation, friends who cannot make it to a location, etc. Accordingly,certain exemplary embodiments maintain a database of the events, and/orother information pertaining to what exactly is going on, at aparticular location. This information may be maintained on a database atthe location, in a central entertainment system network, on a socialnetworking server, etc. In other words, the feed of information may bestored locally or remote from the location and then distributed tointerested subscribers, readers, or patrons. Indeed, in certainexemplary embodiments, the information may be maintained and integratedto provide a “feed” of information at the location and/or to an existingsocial networking infrastructure. That is, in certain exemplaryembodiments, a feed of information can be transmitted to either or bothof a “wall” on a social networking site or a display at a location.

The feed of information can be distributed by pulling data from orpushing to an appropriate location. More particularly, in certainexemplary embodiments, the feeds may be enabled in certain exemplaryembodiments by reading from web services, receiving an RSS stream,and/or rendering publicly visible those “messages” on either or both of(1) one or more displays in a location, and/or (2) an external screen. Aconnection may be provided directly from a processing server at thelocation or via a central entertainment system network. For example,various network technologies such as IP TV, Connec-TT, and/or otherpush, pull, broadcast, subscription, and/or other technologies may beused alone or in various combinations to accomplish these and/or otherends.

A wide variety of information can be fed to a display in the locationand/or a wall on a social networking site. Such information may include,for example, information about the songs played at the location. Suchinformation may include, for example, information about the song (e.g.,title, artist, length, etc.), information about who played it (e.g., inthe event that the patron who played the song was a registered user)along with any information such as name and/or avatar, information abouta playlist from which the songs are playing (e.g., creator, length ofplaylist, position in playlist, etc.), and/or other like information.

Messages that are exchanged through the system also may be fed to adisplay in the location and/or a wall on a social networking site. Forexample, user-to-user messages may be displayed, messages may bebroadcast to everyone in a location (e.g., to no one in particular),etc. Back-and-forth dialogues thus may be displayed, along with anyattached further content such as, for example, images, videos, songs,etc. Of course, it will be appreciated that a message designated“private” or otherwise not made “public” may not be displayed in thisway.

The type of information displayed and/or the events taking place withinthe location also may trigger, automatically or upon authorized useractuation, special events. For example, a song selection and/or keywordsin a message may be detected. Upon a suitable detection, data could befed spontaneously in a real-time, dynamic broadcast of information topatrons. This custom-generated information could be content fromartists, labels, or other persons. For example, upon the detection of asong or keyword about a song, one or more factoids about that songselection could be presented. Facts could be displayed, and/or a triviagame could be played (e.g., via client devices, counter-top or handheldgame devices, etc.). As another example, an artist may provide a specialmessage such as, for example, “Thanks for listening to my song at XYZbar.” This specialized message may be written to the feed and/or played(e.g., as audiovisual media) for users at the location. As yet anotherexample, information about new CD releases, upcoming appearances,concerts, etc., may be provided as a part of a feed.

Advertisers also may benefit from automatic triggering of feed, e.g., bybeing interested in song plays and/or keywords. In general, based onreceived messages, an advertiser may contextually expose patrons tospecific advertising on the main or any external screen based on akeyword search, song played, artist played, mood entered. Advertisementsmay be displayed based on content proposed and/or paid for by anadvertiser. For example, an advertiser may determine the presence of“beer” in a the question “Do you want a beer, Joe?” and, in response,present an advertisement for a particular alcoholic beverage and/or abar special. Similarly, an advertiser may detect a particular song beingplayed that the advertiser is using as a “jingle” and decide to run anadvertisement.

In general, a database of advertisements may be maintained at thelocation level and/or at the central entertainment system network level.The database of advertisements may provide a mapping between particularadvertisements to be run when a keyword or keywords are detected, when asong is played, etc. In the event of conflicting or overlapping entries,a priority rule may be imposed. An example rule may give priority to theadvertiser that has paid more. Another example rule is thatadvertisements should alternate. Still another rule is that the numberof times an advertisement should be played is proportional to the amountspend by the conflicting advertisers. Of course, other priority rulesmay be implemented for resolving these conflicts.

The playing of advertisements may be tied into backend revenue sharing.See, for example, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/222,785, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Advertisementservers and video servers are disclosed in, for example, U.S.application Ser. Nos. 12/076,761 and 12/318,864, the entire contents ofeach of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Patron also may program the system to automatically leave messages uponthe occurrence of a particular event. For example, the mood or status ofa patron may be used as a trigger such that, when a patron's mood orstatus is changed a message is displayed. In an example, when a firstpatron's mood or status is changed “partying,” a second patron may haveprogrammed a message to be displayed such as, for example, “You bettergo home and do your homework!” Other special messages may be left by orfor patrons, for example, when a song plays (e.g., “This is my favoritesong” or “I hate this song”), when a user logs in (e.g., “I didn't knowyou were coming out tonight” or “Fancy meeting you here”), etc.

FIG. 45 is an example display 4500 including “feeds” relevant for ahypothetical location in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Thesame or similar information can be displayed on a remote device, e.g.,through a social networking site, directly to the device, etc. Theexample display 4500 includes a main content area 4502 and anadvertisement area 4504 which is displayed around the main content area4502 in this example. Of course, it will be appreciated that the layoutcan be changed, e.g., such that another shape (e.g., a thick bottom,top, and/or side bar) is provided instead of a corner-shapedadvertisement area 4504.

The first feed 4506 a includes information about the song being played,and relevant artwork 4506 b is displayed adjacent to the information. Inthis example, the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles is being played.The playing of this song automatically triggers contextual factoids toappear in the second feed 4508 a, which also has relevant artwork 4508 bdisplayed adjacent thereto. The factoid here is that the “Hell FreezesOver” version of the song is performed using eight guitars in total. Auser comment is displayed as the third feed 4510 a, and a personalpicture and/or avatar 4510 b is displayed adjacent to the third feed4510 a. It is noted that the user name of the person who sent themessage also is displayed in the third feed 4510 a. A customized messagefrom the artist or label is displayed as the fourth feed 4512 a alongwith a picture 4512 b of the Eagles themselves. An advertisement for anupcoming concert is provided as the fifth feed 4514 a. If the userreceives the feed on a personal device, the link provided in the fifthfeed 4514 a may be a “live” link such that, when selected, the user maybe taken to a webpage from which the user may purchase concert ticketsdirectly.

A user message is provided as the fifth feed 4516 a. Keyword and contextawareness are used to trigger events. In other words, the posts arescanned for keywords and/or context so as to provide for specialadvertising events. In this example, the ad space 4504 is updated inresponse to this detection. Accordingly, a “Bud” advertisement isdisplayed in response to the detection of the word “beer.” In general,the area 4504 may be used as an ad space or artwork space that iscontext aware and may be triggered or modified by certain events (e.g.,as the day goes by, on a holiday, etc.) and/or on the detection ofkeywords and/or other stimuli.

Optionally, a timestamp may be associated with each feed. New feeds maybe added to the top or the bottom of the display. When too many feedsare displayed, the oldest feed may be removed, and the feeds may be“scrolled” up or down, as appropriate. It will be appreciated that thelayout shown in FIG. 45 is exemplary. For example, the number ofcurrently displayed message, artwork, and/or other aspects can bealtered in different embodiments of this invention.

Because messages may not be appropriate (e.g., because they are obscene,offensive, derogatory, and/or otherwise inappropriate), location-uniqueand/or location-accessible techniques may be provided for “cleaning”undesirable messages. For example, such techniques may provide forcomplete “erasures” from the displays in the location and/or to feeds toexternal systems. A menu allowing for only certain sentences, feeds,and/or portions of messages to be removed also may be provided. A recordof such removed items may be maintained, e.g., in the event that suchbecomes necessary, e.g., in response to customer complaint, policeinvestigation, etc. The record may be in a separate storage location, orthe database simply may have a “do not display” or “redacted” fieldassociated with each entry, which may be interpreted by appropriatedisplay control programmed logic circuitry.

Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, suspicious feeds may beflagged, removed, and/or edited automatically. For example, the systemmay scan for inappropriate language or content (e.g., whenage-appropriate and/or other content filters are put into place). Ratherthan simply removing offending content, it may be partially redacted,edited (e.g., to replace foul language with asterisks or the like), etc.Users also may flag certain feeds for review by an appropriate authoritythat ultimately may make a decision as to whether the content may stay,should be changed, or must be removed.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to an entertainment centercomprising a computer capable of communicating with networks, whereinsaid computer is further connected to at least one display throughstandard analog, digital, or network-addressable displays, said computerbeing operable to interact with a remote device connected to one of saidnetworks in communication with said computer, said remote device beingoperable to accept a code and transmit said code to said computer, andwherein said computer can validate against a database or against analgorithm the validity of said code and, upon positive validation, saidcomputer is configured to allocate a monetary value or a credit value tosaid remote device. The remote device may be operable to browse contentcontained on said computer and said remote device may be furtheroperable to select and pay for said content using said monetary or saidcredit value, said computer may be operable to reduce said monetary orsaid credit value upon a selection by said remote device. The code mayinstead or in addition be sent to the remote device and entered on thecomputer.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to an out-of-home entertainmentcenter coupled with at least one internet-based messaging system andcoupled with at least one remote device, said remote device beingconnected to the out of home entertainment center by a wired or wirelesslocal area network or through the Internet, wherein the use of some ofthe entertainment center services by said remote device causes saidentertainment center to send messages to said at least oneInternet-based messaging system. Connecting the system through theInternet may require a user to input a code to the remote device thatuniquely identifies the entertainment center.

Some of the handheld devices referred to herein may be those described,for example, in application Ser. No. 11/902,790, the entire contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure has used certain terms that should not beinterpreted as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment,hardware components and configurations, software configurations, etc.For example, many features and examples have been described in relationto their existence within a bar, pub, or other environment. However, itwill be appreciated that the features present in the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are adaptable for use in anylocation where a jukebox (or multiple jukeboxes) may be located.Similarly, while certain features and functions are described withreference to usage by “users,” “owners,” “operators,” “patrons,” etc.,it will be appreciated that these terms are generic and may, in mostcases, be used interchangeably depending on the embodiment chosen andthe feature employed. For example, while it may be advantageous to limitthe initial song selection to owners and/or operators, in certainexemplary embodiments, patrons may play a role in the initial songselection. It will be appreciated that the term “display” includes, forexample, monitors connected to computers directly or remotely, orembedded ICs such as IP TV technology. Displays may be networkaddressable. Also, standard digital signs (LED based) also may beconsidered displays and/or may be provided as network addressabledisplays.

Still further, particular hardware combinations and configurations aredisclosed which represent only one way which the embodiments may beconstructed. Central servers may, in some exemplary embodiments, becomprised of one or more servers acting together or separately tocoherently provide the full range of services necessary to enable afunctioning jukebox. For example, a cluster of servers may comprise avirtual central server, with one server providing media, anothertracking membership, still another processing licensing, etc.

Similarly, the local servers described herein may be incorporated intothe jukeboxes. For example, the local servers may appear to functionindependently, even though they exist as part (e.g. partition) of anintegrated mass storage device within the jukebox. Indeed, as hard disksbecome larger and less expensive, they may preferably serve thefunctions of local servers. One exemplary embodiment comprises a 120 GBhard drive containing 25,000 songs as the factory drive. However, flashmedia or any storage media now known or later developed (or combinationsthereof) may be used as the factory drive, expanded media storage orlocal server, depending on the desires of a system designer for aparticular jukebox application. In other words, the invention is notlimited to any particular storage technology or configuration, butinstead can be implemented using any suitable storage technology.

Also, although the term “song” has been used sometimes in theabove-description, this term is not intended to be limiting to the scopeof the invention, and any instance or instances of media (e.g., song,video, song/video combination, data, information etc.) can be used inany embodiment herein and still fall within the intended scope of theinvention.

Lastly, it will be appreciated that the screen shots and softwarearrangements presented herein are only one exemplary method fororganizing and displaying the features disclosed herein. Otherconfigurations are possible and are therefore contemplated herein.

While the preferred aspects of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart that various changes and/or modifications can be made. Thus, thespecific description herein is meant to be exemplary only and is notintended to limit the invention beyond the terms of appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An audiovisual entertainment system for playingmusic in one or more out-of-home venues, comprising: a central serverconfigured to store a catalog of songs, the central server beingconnected to a network; and at least one audiovisual reproduction deviceprovided in an out-of-home venue and connected to the network, the atleast one audiovisual reproduction device comprising: a digital storagememory; at least one communication interface configured to communicatewith a mobile device via a social networking site, the mobile devicebeing located at the out-of-home venue or remotely; and at least oneprocessor communicatively coupled to the digital storage memory and thecommunication interface, the at least one processor configured toperform operations comprising: playing songs from a queue of songs,songs in the queue being from a list of songs generated from a subset ofthe catalog of songs and being available to be played at the out-of-homevenue either after being downloaded to the audiovisual reproductiondevice or by streaming from the central server; enabling a plurality ofpatrons to check in to the out-of-home venue via respective mobiledevices each connecting to the out-of-home venue via the socialnetworking site; transmitting information regarding one or more lists ofsongs via the social networking site to the mobile device from which apatron is checked in to the out-of-home venue, to be displayed on adisplay screen of the mobile device; receiving, from the checked-inpatron via the mobile device and in response to the transmitting of theinformation regarding the one or more lists of songs, selections ofrespective songs or at least one list of songs; and in response toreceiving the selections, adding the selected respective songs and/orsongs from the selected at least one list of songs to the queue of songsto be played at the out-of-home venue.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe list of songs is selected based on songs and/or types of musictypically requested by patrons of the out-of-home venue.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the central server is further configured todistribute the list of songs to the audiovisual reproduction device. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to enable the checked-in patron to search for a song based onits title, artist, and/or genre.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one processor is further configured to control the system toadjust an order of the songs in the queue based on the receivedselections of songs.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to distinguish between played songs that areplayed in a pay-per-play mode and played songs that are played inanother mode.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to display the current status of thequeue on the display of the mobile device.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to displaydetailed information about a song in the queue on the display of themobile device.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to control the audiovisual reproductiondevice to enable displaying credits associated with the checked-inpatron on the at least one audiovisual reproduction device and/or themobile device.
 10. A method of playing music in an out-of-home venue,the method comprising: playing songs from a queue of songs, songs in thequeue being from a list of songs generated from a subset of the catalogof songs and being available to be played at the out-of-home venueeither after being downloaded to the audiovisual reproduction device orby streaming from the central server; enabling a plurality of patrons tocheck in to the out-of-home venue via respective mobile devicesconnecting to the out-of-home venue via the social networking site;transmitting information regarding one or more lists of songs via thesocial networking site to the mobile device from which a patron ischecked in to the out-of-home venue, to be displayed on a display screenof the mobile device; receiving, from the checked-in patron via themobile device and in response to the transmitting of the informationregarding the one or more lists of songs, selections of respective songsor at least one list of songs; and in response to receiving theselections, adding the selected respective songs and/or songs from theselected at least one list of songs to the queue of songs to be playedat the out-of-home venue.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the listof songs for the out-of-home venue is selected based on songs and/ortypes of music that patrons of the out-of-home venue typically request.12. The method of claim 10, wherein the list of songs selected for theout-of-home venue is selectable by a proprietor of the out-of-homevenue.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising enabling achecked-in patron to search for a song based on its title, artist,and/or genre.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjustingan order of the songs in the queue based on the received selections ofsongs.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the playing includesdistinguishing between played songs that are played in a pay-per-playmode and played songs that are played in another mode.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising displaying the current status of the queueon the first mobile device.
 17. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising displaying detailed information about a song in the queue onthe first mobile device.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprisingdisplaying credits associated with the checked-in patron on the firstmobile device.
 19. An audiovisual reproduction device operable to playmusic in an out-of-home venue, the audiovisual reproduction devicecomprising: a digital storage memory; at least one communicationinterface configured to communicate with a plurality of mobile devicesvia a social networking site, the mobile devices being located at theout-of-home venue or remotely; and at least one processorcommunicatively coupled to the digital storage memory and thecommunication interface, the at least one processor configured toperform operations comprising: playing songs from a queue of songs,songs in the queue being from a list generated from a subset of acatalog of songs available to be played at the out-of-home venue eitherafter being downloaded to the audiovisual reproduction device or bystreaming from a central server; enabling a plurality of users to checkin to the out-of-home venue via respective mobile devices connecting tothe out-of-home venue via the social networking site; transmittinginformation regarding one or more lists of songs via the socialnetworking site to a first one of the respective mobile devices fromwhich a first user is checked in to the out-of-home venue via the socialnetworking site, to be displayed on a display screen of the first mobiledevice; receiving, from the checked-in first user via the mobile deviceand in response to the transmitting of the information, selections ofrespective songs or at least one list of songs; and in response toreceiving the selections, adding the selected respective songs and/orsongs from the selected at least one list of songs to the queue of songsto be played at the out-of-home venue.
 20. The audiovisual reproductiondevice of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to enable in the checked in first user to search for a songbased on its title, artist, and/or genre.
 21. The audiovisualreproduction device of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to distinguish between played songs that are playedin a pay-per-play mode and played songs that are played in another mode.22. A mobile device comprising a display screen, a communicationinterface, a digital memory storage, and a processor, wherein theprocessor is configured to perform operations comprising: executing anapplication using the processor, for communicating using thecommunication interface and via a social networking site with anaudiovisual reproduction device located at a same venue as the mobiledevice or at a remote location; in communication with the audiovisualreproduction device, enabling a patron to check in, via the socialnetworking site, to a venue at which the audiovisual reproduction deviceis located; in response to the receiving a listing of songs and/orplaylists, providing for the patron to select one or more respectivesongs and/or playlists, from a collection of songs included in thelisting, to be played on the audiovisual reproduction device; andtransmitting the selections to the audiovisual reproduction device. 23.The mobile device according to claim 22, wherein the processor isconfigured to, in response to a keyword input by the patron, display aplurality of out-of-home venues selectable by the patron to check in.